This Stuffed Pepper Soup became my family's favorite comfort food when I was looking for ways to use up extra bell peppers from my garden. Now it's become our go-to winter dinner! It has all those amazing stuffed pepper flavors we love but it's so much easier to make and even more comforting in soup form.
Why This Soup is Pure Comfort
What I love about this soup is how it comes together so quickly but tastes like it's been simmering all day. The combination of tender beef rich tomato broth and sweet peppers creates pure magic in every spoonful. Plus it's a complete meal in one pot!
What You'll Need
- Ground Beef: I use lean but not too lean for flavor.
- Bell Peppers: Mix red green and yellow for color.
- Onions: They add such amazing flavor.
- Tomatoes: Both diced and sauce make it rich.
- Beef Broth: Makes everything extra savory.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley basil and oregano are perfect.
- Rice: White or brown both work great.
- Cheese: A handful on top makes it extra cozy.
Let's Make Some Soup
- Start With The Beef
- Get it nice and brown then set it aside.
- Veggie Time
- Cook those peppers and onions until they're soft and sweet.
- Simmer Away
- Add everything else and let it bubble gently letting those flavors come together.
- Rice Is Nice
- Cook it separately then add it to each bowl.
- Time to Eat
- Top with cheese and grab some crusty bread!
Mix It Up
Sometimes I use chicken broth or throw in extra vegetables like carrots. Quinoa makes a great substitute for rice and adding some Italian sausage gives it an extra kick. The possibilities are endless!
My Best Tips
Always keep your rice separate when storing leftovers it stays perfect that way. Add more or less rice depending on how thick you like your soup. And don't rush the simmering that's where all the flavor happens.
Perfect Partners
We love this soup with warm crusty bread for dunking. A simple green salad on the side makes it complete. I often make a big batch on Sunday it's even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why not add rice directly to soup?
Keep rice separate to prevent it from getting mushy, especially for leftovers.
- → Can I use different colored peppers?
Yes, any bell pepper color works. Green are traditional but red are sweeter.
- → How do I make it thicker?
Add more rice for heartier soup, less for thinner consistency.
- → Can I use brown rice?
Yes, both white and brown rice work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze without rice and add fresh cooked rice when serving.