Savor the Flavor: 30-Minute Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Picture this: a steaming bowl of hearty soup, brimming with savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and fragrant Italian spices. It’s comforting, satisfying, and best of all, ready in just 30 minutes. Welcome to the world of Stuffed Pepper Soup—a quick and easy dish that captures all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a delicious, slurp-worthy soup form. Join me as we explore this culinary delight and learn how to whip up a batch of this soul-warming soup in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flake, optional
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add Bell Peppers: Stir in chopped red and green bell peppers, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Incorporate Tomato Products: Add tomato sauce and fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained) to the pot, along with beef broth, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Stir to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Cooked Rice: Stir in cooked white rice and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot Stuffed Pepper Soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy-to-make soup.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version of this soup, omit the ground beef and replace it with cooked lentils or your favorite meat alternative such as crumbled tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
- Cheese Topping: Before serving, sprinkle each bowl of soup with shredded cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella, and broil in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preference for heat. For a milder soup, omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt the Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe:
- Riced Cauliflower: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice to reduce the carb content of the soup while still adding bulk and texture.
- Low-Carb Broth: Use a low-carb beef broth or bone broth as the base of the soup to keep the carb count in check.
- Extra Veggies: Add extra low-carb vegetables such as diced zucchini, cauliflower florets, or spinach to boost the nutritional value of the soup without adding extra carbs.
In conclusion, Stuffed Pepper Soup is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or chilly evenings. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and satisfying taste, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. So, grab a pot and some pantry staples, and get ready to savor the comforting goodness of this easy-to-make soup
Exploring Flavor Variations and Serving Suggestions:
Take your Stuffed Pepper Soup to the next level by experimenting with different flavor variations and creative serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:
Flavor Enhancements:
- Herbaceous Twist: Add a handful of fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or oregano to the soup just before serving for a burst of freshness and aroma.
- Smokey Depth: For an extra layer of flavor, stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to infuse the soup with a subtle smokiness that complements the richness of the beef and peppers.
- Creamy Indulgence: Create a creamy version of Stuffed Pepper Soup by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This addition adds a luxurious creaminess to the soup that’s simply irresistible.
Creative Serving Ideas:
- Bread Bowl: Hollow out a crusty bread loaf and ladle the hot Stuffed Pepper Soup into the bread bowl for a fun and interactive dining experience. The bread absorbs the flavorful broth, making every bite even more delicious.
- Soup Bar: Set up a DIY soup bar with an array of toppings and garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and crispy bacon bits. Allow your guests to customize their bowls of soup according to their preferences for a personalized dining experience.
- Side Salad: Serve the Stuffed Pepper Soup alongside a crisp green salad tossed with your favorite vinaigrette dressing for a light and refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Keto and Low-Carb Variations:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some additional adaptations to make the Stuffed Pepper Soup keto-friendly:
- Cauliflower Rice Alternative: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice or shirataki rice to significantly reduce the carb content of the soup while still providing a satisfying texture.
- Keto-Friendly Thickener: Use xanthan gum or a small amount of almond flour as a thickening agent instead of traditional flour to keep the soup keto-friendly without compromising on texture.
- High-Fat Additions: Increase the fat content of the soup by adding a dollop of grass-fed butter or drizzling with extra virgin olive oil before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps keep you feeling satiated.
In conclusion, Stuffed Pepper Soup is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this easy-to-make soup is sure to impress. With its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to keep in your rotation year-round.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let the aroma of simmering soup fill your kitchen with warmth and coziness. From its savory broth to its tender beef and peppers, every spoonful of Stuffed Pepper
