Description

Cozy up with a bowl of delicious Stuffed Pepper Soup, a hearty dish that captures all the beloved flavors of stuffed peppers in a one-pot recipe. This delightful soup effortlessly combines bell peppers, tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato base, making it perfect for chilly evenings when comfort food is a must. In under an hour, you can bring a warming and filling meal to your dinner table, leaving your family and friends asking for seconds.

Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a weekend gathering, Stuffed Pepper Soup is a versatile choice. It's not only easy to make but also healthy, packed with vitamins and nutrients from the colorful vegetables included in the recipe. This soup can easily be adjusted to suit your dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or making it vegetarian by replacing the meat with beans or lentils.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) fire-roasted tomatoes (or plain diced tomatoes)
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 cups cooked rice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish (optional)

Preparation Method

Begin by preparing the vegetables. Dice the onion and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Mince the garlic cloves, then set all the prepared vegetables aside, ready for use.

Next, move to cooking the ground beef. In a large soup pot, heat the pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook until it is nicely browned, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks. It's important to season the beef with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. Once fully browned, remove the beef from the pot and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.

Now, it's time to sauté the vegetables. In the same pot, add the olive oil. As the oil heats up, introduce the diced bell peppers and onion, allowing them to cook for three to four minutes until slightly softened. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking. Then, add the minced garlic along with the dried basil, oregano, and thyme, stirring for about thirty seconds. This step will bring out the fragrances of the herbs and garlic.

With the vegetables sautéed, return the browned ground beef to the pot. Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes along with the tomato sauce and low-sodium beef broth. These ingredients will form the flavorful base of your soup. Stir everything together, ensuring that the tomatoes and broth are evenly incorporated. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then cover it with a lid and allow it to simmer for about twenty minutes. This process will meld all the flavors beautifully.

While the soup is simmering, prepare the rice according to your preferred cooking method. If you have pre-cooked rice, simply set it aside for later use.

After the soup has simmered for twenty minutes, it's time to mix in the cooked rice. Stir the rice into the soup carefully, ensuring it is fully incorporated. Allow the soup to continue simmering for an additional five minutes. This will help the flavors to further develop while the rice heats through.

Once everything is ready, it is time to serve your Stuffed Pepper Soup. Ladle generous portions into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If desired, sprinkle a touch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl for an extra layer of flavor. This optional garnish will enhance the richness of the dish.

Tips and Conclusion

For a vegetarian variation of this recipe, simply substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a satisfying protein option. You may also customize the soup by adding other vegetables, such as corn or zucchini, to increase the nutritional value and create a unique flavor profile.
Stuffed Pepper Soup is not just a meal; it's a comforting blend of flavors and aromas that can transform any cold day into a warm experience. It embodies the essence of a wholesome, hearty dinner, and its easy preparation makes it a top choice for busy families or anyone looking to indulge in some delicious home cooking. With leftovers that are just as tasty the next day, this soup can easily be part of your weekly meal plan. Enjoy this delightful recipe and impress your family and friends, making every gathering a hit with your culinary skills. For even more delightful recipes, explore other options from InesKohl Kitchen.

Embrace the comforting nature of this stuffed pepper-inspired dish and savor each spoonful. You’ll find not just joy in eating it, but also in sharing it with the ones you love. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home.