Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Pepper Soup takes all the hearty, savory goodness of classic stuffed peppers and transforms it into a comforting, one-pot meal. With tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and flavorful seasonings simmered together, this soup is both filling and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

ground beefoniongarlicgreen bell pepperred bell peppertomato saucecrushed tomatoesbeef brothuncooked white ricesaltblack pepperItalian seasoningolive oilbay leaf

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

Stir in chopped onions and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add diced bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes until slightly softened.

Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, rice, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and flavors are well combined.

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 35 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.

Try brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added nutrition.

Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Add chopped spinach or kale for extra veggies.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot.Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, add it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid mushy texture.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef with lentils or plant-based meat and use vegetable broth.

Why is my rice mushy?

Overcooking or using too much liquid can lead to mushy rice. Simmer just until rice is tender.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add cooked rice near the end.

What kind of peppers work best?

Green and red bell peppers are classic, but you can use yellow or orange for a sweeter flavor.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your ingredients, including broth, are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger pot and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Does this freeze well?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Store in freezer-safe containers with room for expansion.

Can I add beans?

Sure! Kidney or black beans are great additions for extra protein.

How do I thin the soup if it thickens?

Stir in more broth or water while reheating until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a warm, satisfying dish that brings all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers into a cozy bowl. With its simple prep, hearty ingredients, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or freezing for later, this soup is a delicious way to enjoy comfort food with ease.