Stuffed Pepper Soup

Introduction

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a comforting and flavorful recipe that combines the essence of traditional stuffed peppers in a cozy, warm soup. Perfect for a quick dinner on a chilly evening, this hearty dish is packed with vegetables, lean protein, and delicious flavors. Whether you’re short on time or simply craving a nourishing recipe, this stuffed pepper soup is a fantastic choice. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Ground Meat:

1 pound of ground beef or turkey

Olive Oil:

1 tablespoon for sautéing

Onion:

1 medium-sized onion, diced

Bell Peppers:

3 bell peppers (a mix of colors works best), diced

Garlic:

2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced

Canned Tomatoes:

1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes

Tomato Sauce:

1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce

Beef Broth:

4 cups of beef broth

Cooked Rice:

2 cups of cooked rice

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste

Prep Time

The prep time for this Stuffed Pepper Soup is approximately 10 minutes. Chopping the vegetables, mincing the garlic, and gathering your ingredients ensure the process goes smoothly.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time:

The cook time for this recipe is about 35 minutes, during which all the ingredients meld together to create a depth of flavor.

Total Time:

Including prep time, the total time amounts to 45 minutes. Perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Yield:

This recipe yields about 6 servings, making it perfect for the whole family or for meal prep throughout the week.

This Stuffed Pepper Soup is a simple and healthy recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s a great combination of wholesome ingredients, vibrant flavors, and warming comfort – a true go-to recipe for busy nights or cozy weekends!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Wash and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Set everything aside for use later in the recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Once heated, add the diced onions to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef or Turkey

Add the ground beef or ground turkey to the pot with the onions and garlic. Break the meat apart using a wooden spoon or spatula, and cook it until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess fat, if necessary.

Step 4: Add the Bell Peppers

Stir the chopped bell peppers into the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.

Step 5: Incorporate the Tomato Ingredients

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir everything together so that the mixture becomes well combined.

Step 6: Season and Add Broth

Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings. Then, pour in the beef or chicken broth, and stir once again to combine all the ingredients.

Step 7: Simmer the Soup

Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar, and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Add Cooked Rice

If you prefer to include rice in the soup, stir in pre-cooked white or brown rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Mix well so the rice is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Step 9: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheese, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Note on Protein Choice

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken to reduce fat content or adjust to your taste preferences.

Note on Rice

If you’re planning to store leftovers, it’s best to keep the rice separate and add it when reheating to avoid it absorbing too much liquid and getting mushy.

Note on Storage

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Note on Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If it has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Note on Texture

For a smoother texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before adding the rice. This can also create a creamier consistency.

Note on Garnish

Feel free to add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and presentation.
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Cook Techniques

How to Prep the Vegetables

To prepare the vegetables for stuffed pepper soup, start by washing and dicing your peppers, onions, and minced garlic. Ensure the vegetables are cut into even, small pieces for better texture and even cooking.

Cooking the Ground Beef or Turkey

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook your ground beef (or turkey, for a leaner option) until fully browned. Break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks to enhance the consistency of the soup.

Deglazing the Pot

After browning the meat, add a small amount of broth to the pot and scrape the browned bits from the bottom. This step enhances the soup’s flavor by incorporating these browned pieces, which are packed with taste.

Simmering for Enhanced Flavor

Once all your ingredients are combined in the pot, allow the soup to simmer. Cooking on low heat for an extended period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Cooking the Rice

If you’re adding rice, consider cooking it separately before mixing it into the soup. This prevents the rice from absorbing too much liquid from the soup and becoming mushy.

FAQ

How can I store leftover stuffed pepper soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

Can I freeze stuffed pepper soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Transfer it into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely. While the recipe typically calls for ground beef or turkey, you can use any ground protein, such as chicken, pork, or a meatless alternative.

What if I don’t have fresh vegetables?

Frozen vegetables can be easily substituted. Adjust the cooking time as frozen vegetables may require less time to cook compared to fresh ones.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

The soup is naturally dairy-free unless you decide to add cheese for topping. To keep it dairy-free, simply skip the cheese.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, this soup can be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add cooked rice before serving.

How do I make the soup thicker?

If you’d like a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of broth and use less liquid overall. Additionally, pureeing a small portion of the soup can add thickness.

What type of rice works best in stuffed pepper soup?

White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice work well. Cook the rice separately to prevent overcooking and mix it in when the soup is ready to serve.

Conclusion

This stuffed pepper soup is a simple, flavorful, and hearty recipe that makes a perfect comforting meal. Packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s an easy recipe to prepare and is sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation. It brings all the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss, making it a convenient and delicious option for any time of year.

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