Are you in search of a hearty and flavorful soup that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than our Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe! Bursting with the vibrant colors and robust flavors of bell peppers, ground beef, and aromatic herbs, this soup is a comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly nights or any time you’re craving a bowl of homemade goodness. Join us as we explore the world of stuffed peppers in soup form and learn how to make this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Introduction
Stuffed Pepper Soup takes all the delicious flavors of classic stuffed peppers and transforms them into a comforting and satisfying soup. With tender ground beef and sausage, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato broth, this soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a cold evening or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So let’s dive in and learn how to make this hearty and flavorful soup!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground sausage
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 28 ounces fire roasted tomatoes, undrained
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups cooked long grain rice or 1 ½ cups uncooked quick rice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 tsp basil
- Mozzarella Cheese, shredded for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by gathering and preparing all the ingredients. Chop the bell peppers and onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the rice, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked meat. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Soup: Season the soup with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and basil, adjusting the seasonings to taste.
- Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.
- Simmer: Add the beef broth to the pot and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook Rice: If using uncooked rice, add it to the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. If using cooked rice, stir it into the soup just before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded mozzarella cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and sausage and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version of this soup. Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor and texture.
- Spicy Variation: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
- Slow Cooker Method: To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the meat and sauté the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I freeze leftover soup? A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use different types of rice? A: Yes, you can use any type of rice you prefer in this recipe. Brown rice, jasmine rice, or wild rice would all work well.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? A: Absolutely! You can substitute fresh diced tomatoes for the fire-roasted tomatoes if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup? A: Of course! Feel free to add additional vegetables such as carrots, celery, or spinach to bulk up the soup and add extra nutrition.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how to make this soup keto-friendly:
- Use Cauliflower Rice: Substitute cauliflower rice for the traditional rice to keep the carb count low.
- Choose Low-Carb Vegetables: Opt for low-carb vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and avoid higher-carb options like carrots or potatoes.
- Add Healthy Fats: Increase the fat content of the soup by adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving.
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy weeknight dinner or as part of a special occasion meal, this hearty soup is sure to impress. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s the ultimate comfort food that will warm you from the inside out. So why wait? Give this recipe a try and savor the deliciousness of stuffed peppers in soup form today!
