Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Hearty Comfort Classic

If you’re craving the warm, savory flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the prep time or effort, then Stuffed Pepper Soup is the perfect solution. This easy, one-pot dish captures all the goodness of the classic comfort food—tender bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and rice—in a rich, flavorful broth that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

This soup has become a weeknight favorite for many families, not only because of how simple it is to prepare, but also because it’s incredibly budget-friendly. In fact, incorporating dishes like this into your meal plan can help you stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing taste. Budget Bytes provides additional ways to make meals affordable and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Pepper Soup

This dish hits the perfect balance between health and heartiness. Here’s why people are loving it:

• All the flavor of stuffed peppers with half the effort

• One-pot meal that’s great for meal prep and leftovers

• Customizable with ground turkey, brown rice, or even quinoa

• Freezer-friendly for easy future meals

If you’re looking to boost the nutritional value, consider using brown rice or swapping in lean ground turkey or plant-based meat. Healthline gives a great breakdown of the nutritional content of ground beef and its alternatives.

Ingredients

To make this soup at home, you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, for a leaner option)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 large bell peppers (any color), chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 (32 oz) carton beef broth (or chicken broth)

• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

Optional toppings:

• Shredded cheese

• Chopped fresh parsley

• Crushed red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add Aromatics and Veggies

Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

3. Simmer the Soup

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25–30 minutes.

4. Add the Rice

Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have melded together, stir in the cooked rice. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up the flavors.

5. Taste and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese or herbs if desired.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Pepper Soup

• Use cooked rice to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.

• Add more broth if the soup thickens up too much after sitting.

• Use a mix of bell peppers (red, yellow, and green) for a colorful presentation.

• Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne or a diced jalapeño.

Easy Variations

This soup is super versatile. Try these tweaks to make it your own:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based crumbles.

• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or omit it entirely.

• Creamy Version: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a rich, creamy texture.

• Tex-Mex Twist: Add corn, black beans, and taco seasoning for a southwestern spin.

What to Serve With Stuffed Pepper Soup

Pair this hearty soup with one of the following for a complete meal:

• Crusty bread or garlic toast

• A crisp side salad

• Grilled cheese sandwiches

• Roasted vegetables

Storage & Freezing Tips

Stuffed Pepper Soup makes for amazing leftovers!

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze portions without rice (to avoid mushiness) for up to 3 months. Add fresh rice when reheating.

To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Health Benefits

Stuffed Pepper Soup is not just delicious—it’s also packed with:

• Vitamins A and C from bell peppers

• Protein from ground beef or turkey

• Fiber from tomatoes and rice

It’s a great way to get a nutrient-dense meal without relying on heavy creams or processed ingredients.

FAQs

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients (except the rice) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then stir in cooked rice before serving.

Can I add uncooked rice to the soup?

You can, but it may absorb more liquid and slightly change the texture. If you do, add an extra 1–2 cups of broth and simmer for longer until the rice is tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—just ensure your broth and tomato products are labeled gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This soup is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Final Thoughts

Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. It’s warm, nourishing, budget-friendly, and packed with bold flavors that even picky eaters will love. Whether you make it for Sunday dinner or meal prep for the week ahead, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

If you’re looking to simplify your mealtime without compromising on taste, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

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