Trust me, this Stuffed Pepper Soup is going to become your new go-to comfort food. It’s like the inside of a stuffed pepper, but in soup form—tender peppers, savory sausage, rice, and just the right amount of seasoning, all coming together in a cozy bowl. Perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but don’t feel like stuffing peppers. Plus, it’s easy to make and super satisfying, so get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this goodness.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Pepper Soup
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for a chilly evening or as the star of a family dinner. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something filling and flavorful in no time. Or picture serving this at a gathering, with everyone asking for the recipe before they even finish their bowl.
- Budget-Friendly: You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients you can find at any store. It’s the kind of dish that proves you can make something delicious without breaking the bank.
- Quick and Easy: If you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this one’s for you. The steps are simple, and you don’t need to worry about anything complicated. It’s perfect for busy nights when you just want something tasty without a fuss.
- Customizable: You can add your own flair to this soup! Want a bit of spice? Throw in some chili flakes or paprika. Want it milder? Go easy on the seasoning. You can totally make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This soup is loved by kids and adults alike. There’s something magical about the mix of peppers, sausage, and rice—it’s comforting and familiar but with a little twist that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients in Stuffed Pepper Soup
Let’s break down what goes into this delicious soup:
- Bell Peppers: The foundation of this soup. Sweet, tender bell peppers give it that signature stuffed pepper taste.
- Ground Sausage: Adds depth and richness to the soup. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey works well too.
- Rice: The perfect base to soak up all the savory broth and seasoning. You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you want a lower-carb option.
- Onion: A classic flavor enhancer that gives the soup a savory foundation.
- Garlic: Because what’s a soup without garlic? It brings everything to life with its aromatic punch.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The rich, tangy tomato base that really makes the soup comforting and hearty.
- Beef Broth: The liquid gold that helps bring all the flavors together. It adds that savory umami note to the soup.
- Seasonings: A mix of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to bring out the flavors of the peppers and sausage.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Pan: Start by heating a large soup pot over medium heat. This is your base for everything—getting it warm makes sure the sausage cooks evenly.
Cook the Sausage: Add the ground sausage to the pot and cook until it’s browned and crumbled. This is where all that flavor comes from, so take your time to let the sausage really get a nice brown color.
Sauté the Vegetables: Once the sausage is cooked through, add the onions and garlic to the pot. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—this will only take a few minutes. The smell will already be amazing.
Add the Bell Peppers: Stir in the bell peppers and cook for a few more minutes. They’ll soften up and start to release their sweet aroma.
Simmer the Soup: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 20 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Add the Rice: Stir in your rice and let it cook in the soup for another 10 minutes or so, until it’s nice and tender. If you’re using cauliflower rice, it’ll cook up quicker!
Taste and Adjust: Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce. Need a little more salt? Go ahead and add it! This step is all about making the soup perfect for your taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese, if you like. Serve warm, and enjoy the cozy comfort of this delicious meal.
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup
This soup is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to make it even more satisfying, here are a few ways to serve it:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, tangy salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect side dish. It adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that savory broth.
- Creamy Toppings: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can add a creamy twist that complements the soup’s richness.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli are great accompaniments to balance out the meal.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Chop the veggies and brown the sausage the night before to save time on busy days.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add extra seasoning or even a dash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
- Dietary Adjustments: Looking for a lighter version? Use ground turkey or skip the rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to keep the soup from drying out.
- Double the Batch: This soup freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and freeze some for later. You’ll thank yourself on those days when you don’t want to cook.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ground sausage with another type of meat?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or beef would work great in this soup. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to fit the meat.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This soup actually gets better the longer it sits. Prepare it ahead of time, and store it in the fridge to let the flavors develop.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat for the best results.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Let the soup cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Of course! Double the ingredients and make a bigger batch. This soup stores and freezes wonderfully, so it’s great for meal prep!
Conclusion
This Stuffed Pepper Soup is a true game-changer. It’s comforting, easy to make, and full of flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just for yourself, it’s the perfect bowl of coziness. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the comforting deliciousness of this hearty soup!
Print
Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting soup loaded with seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, onions, and cauliflower rice, all simmered in a flavorful broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for the whole family!
Ingredients
- 1 lb 90% ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more for heat)
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (no salt added)
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cauliflower rice
- Garnish with fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, crumbling with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess grease and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Drizzle olive oil in the hot pan and add onion and bell peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent and peppers are softened.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes.
- Return browned ground beef to the pot along with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add cauliflower rice to the soup and simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes.
- This soup pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute for traditional rice in this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg