Hearty Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup Recipe | Easy & Flavorful
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 4 bell peppers, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded mozzarella cheese for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), cooked rice, chopped bell peppers, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the flavors meld together.
- Serve the Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
FAQs:
- What is Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup?
- Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that combines the classic ingredients of stuffed bell peppers—ground beef, rice, bell peppers, and tomatoes—into a delicious, easy-to-make soup. It’s seasoned with oregano and basil and garnished with mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor.
- How long does it take to make Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup?
- The total time required to make Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup is approximately 45 minutes, with 10 minutes of preparation and 35 minutes of cooking time.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. The cooking process remains the same, although the flavor profile may slightly change.
- Is Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup gluten-free?
- Yes, this soup can be considered gluten-free as long as all the ingredients used, including the beef broth, are certified gluten-free. Always check the labels to make sure.
- Can Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup be made vegetarian?
- To make a vegetarian version of this soup, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- How can I store leftovers?
- Leftover Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup?
- Yes, this soup freezes well. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- What can I serve with Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup?
- This soup is hearty and flavorful on its own but can be served with crusty bread, a green salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
- Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or spinach to the soup to increase its nutritional value and flavor complexity.
- How do I make the soup thicker?
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked rice and vegetables with a potato masher or blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in. You can also simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period to reduce and thicken it.