Stuffed Pepper Soup!

Stuffed Pepper Soup

⏱ Time

• Prep: 10 minutes

• Cook: 30 minutes

• Total: ~40 minutes

🍽 Servings

• 4–6 servings

🫑 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 bell peppers (any colors), diced

• 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• 4 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional

• Red pepper flakes

• Fresh parsley

• Shredded cheese for topping

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the meat

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

   • Add ground beef/turkey and cook until browned.

   • Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add aromatics

   • Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.

   • Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add vegetables

   • Stir in diced bell peppers and cook 2–3 minutes.

4. Build the soup

   • Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

   • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

5. Simmer

   • Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until peppers are tender.

6. Add rice

   • Stir in cooked rice and simmer 5 more minutes.

7. Serve

   • Taste and adjust seasoning.

   • Top with parsley or shredded cheese if desired.

🍞 Serving Ideas

• With crusty bread or garlic toast

• With a simple green salad

• Add sour cream or Greek yogurt on top

❓ Q & A (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use uncooked rice?
A: Yes. Add ½ cup uncooked rice and an extra 1 cup of broth. Simmer 25–30 minutes until rice is tender.

Q: What meat works best?
A: Ground beef gives classic flavor, but turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option.

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes! Skip the meat, add an extra cup of bell peppers or beans, and use vegetable broth.

Q: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the meat first, then cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Add rice at the end.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, but it freezes best without rice. Add freshly cooked rice when reheating.

Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: Let it simmer uncovered or add extra tomato sauce.

Q: Is this soup spicy?
A: No, it’s mild. Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want heat.