Easy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Key Takeaways:

• This recipe captures the classic flavor of stuffed peppers in a fraction of the time, ready in under an hour.
• It’s highly customizable for various dietary needs, including leaner, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
• Proper storage and reheating tips ensure your leftovers taste just as good as the first bowl.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredients for Your Stuffed Pepper Soup
• Timing is Everything
• Crafting Your Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Nutritional Information
• Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Serving Suggestions
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storing Tips for the Recipe
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction

Did you know that over 78% of home cooks crave the comforting taste of classic stuffed peppers but are often deterred by the lengthy preparation and baking time? What if you could capture that exact, beloved flavor profile—the savory meat, the tender rice, the sweet and tangy tomato sauce—in a single, simmering pot of soup, ready in almost half the time? This isn’t just a convenient alternative; for many, this Stuffed Pepper Soup has become the preferred way to enjoy a timeless family favorite. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner hack that delivers on depth, heartiness, and nostalgia without sacrificing an entire evening in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Your Stuffed Pepper Soup

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to soup success. This list is designed for flexibility, so feel free to make it your own!

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: The foundation for sautéing our aromatics.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onions work best for their balanced sweetness.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Provides a classic, slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweetness.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a vibrant color and a sweeter, fruitier flavor.
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (optional): For those who enjoy a gentle kick of heat. Remove the seeds and membranes for less spice.
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped: Fresh is best! It brings an irreplaceable pungent aroma.
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken): I prefer an 85/15 blend for optimal flavor without being too greasy. For a leaner option, ground turkey is fantastic.
• 1 tablespoon paprika: Smoked paprika would add a wonderful, deep, smoky dimension.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil & 1 teaspoon dried oregano: The classic Italian seasoning duo that forms the herbaceous backbone of this soup.
• 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes: I highly recommend fire-roasted tomatoes for a incredible smoky, charred flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce: Creates the rich, velvety base of the soup.
• 1.5 cups beef broth (or chicken broth): Beef broth complements the ground beef perfectly, but chicken broth works well too, especially if using poultry.
• 1 cup uncooked white rice: Long-grain white rice like Jasmine or Basmati holds its shape well. Pro Tip: Add an extra 1/4 cup if you want to stretch the meal for a larger family.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra layer of heat.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy; season in layers!
• Toppings (The Fun Part!): Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, extra spicy chili flakes, crumbly queso fresco or feta cheese, a dash of hot sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Timing is Everything

One of the biggest wins for this stuffed pepper soup recipe is its efficiency. While traditional stuffed peppers can take well over 90 minutes from prep to table, this streamlined soup version cuts that time significantly.

• Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes (chopping veggies and measuring ingredients).
• Cook Time: About 30-35 minutes (including simmering).
• Total Time: Roughly 45-50 minutes.

That’s nearly 40% less time than the oven-baked classic, making it a realistic and delicious option for even the busiest of weeknights.

Crafting Your Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and all bell peppers. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base.

Step 2: Unleash the Garlic

Add the chopped garlic to the pot and cook for just one more minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the incredible aroma hits your nose—be careful not to let it burn, as it can turn bitter.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small crumbles. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink and is cooked through. If there’s excess grease, you can drain it off at this point.

Step 4: Bloom the Spices

This is a chef’s secret! Add the paprika, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir constantly for one minute. This “blooms” the spices in the heat, unlocking their full potential and toasty flavor.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, and uncooked rice. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 6: The Simmering Transformation

Bring the pot to a lively boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for at least 20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and the flavors to meld beautifully into a cohesive, hearty soup. For an even deeper flavor, you can let it simmer for up to an hour (just check the liquid level and add a splash more broth if needed).

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Now, the masterpiece is yours to finish! Top with your favorite garnishes. A sprinkle of cheese, a handful of fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lime juice are highly recommended.

Nutritional Information

While exact numbers can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used (especially the leanness of your meat), here is a general nutritional profile per serving (assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: ~380 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~38 g
• Fat: ~16 g
• Protein: ~22 g
• Sugar: ~9 g (naturally occurring from tomatoes and peppers)

This soup is a balanced meal, providing a good source of protein for muscle repair and complex carbohydrates from the rice for sustained energy.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This soup is incredibly adaptable to various dietary needs without losing its soul.

• Leaner Protein: Swap ground beef for 99% lean ground turkey or chicken breast.
• Whole Grains: Substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa. Note: you will need to extend the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes for brown rice, and may need additional liquid.
• Lower Sodium: Use no-salt-added canned tomatoes and tomato sauce, and opt for a low-sodium beef broth.
• Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the meat and use a plant-based ground “meat” alternative or an extra can of beans (like kidney or black beans). Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese topping for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is a complete meal in a bowl, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. For a true comfort food experience, serve it with a slice of crusty, warm No-Knead Artisan Bread for dipping. If you’re looking for a lighter contrast, a simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the soup beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Rice: If you plan on having leftovers, be aware that the rice will continue to absorb liquid and can become mushy. For meal prep, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it to each bowl when serving.
2. Underseasoning: Soups require bold seasoning. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end. The acid from a squeeze of lime juice at the end can also brighten all the flavors.
3. Crowding the Pot: Ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably. A 5.5-quart Dutch oven is ideal.
4. Skipping the Toppings: The toppings are not just garnish; they provide essential textural contrast and fresh flavors that elevate the soup from good to great.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This soup stores and reheats wonderfully, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.

• Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Pro Tip: For best results, freeze without the rice, as it can become very soft upon thawing. Cook and add fresh rice when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You will likely need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up as the rice will have absorbed more liquid.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate comfort food hack—delivering all the classic, beloved flavors in a quick, one-pot format. It’s hearty, customizable, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, a delicious, satisfying meal is less than an hour away.

I’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Did you add a special twist? Leave a comment below with your experience and any questions. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious, family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this stuffed pepper soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Sauté the onions, peppers, and brown the meat as described in steps 1-3. Transfer everything to your slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients (except toppings), and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the rice is tender.

Q: My soup became too thick after storing. What should I do?
A: No problem! The rice continues to absorb liquid. Simply add a bit more broth or water when reheating until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: What other protein can I use besides ground beef?
A: This recipe is very versatile. Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat crumble substitute would work perfectly. For another hearty option, try our Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup.

Q: Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
A: Definitely! Besides the jalapeño and red pepper flakes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, use a hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or offer hot sauce on the side for individuals to customize their bowl.

Print