Stuffed bell pepper soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional stuffed bell peppers but in a soup form. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for homemade stuffed bell pepper soup:
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chopped bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.
- Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef or chicken broth.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Cooked Rice:
- Stir in the cooked rice and let it heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables or beans for protein.
Enjoy your homemade stuffed bell pepper soup!
