There is nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe, bringing together all the vibrant flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a warm, hearty soup form. This dish offers the delightful taste of seasoned ground beef, tender bell peppers, and aromatic herbs swimming in a rich tomato broth, making it perfect for cozy dinners that feed both the body and soul. Whether you’re craving a nutritious weeknight meal or something to impress friends, this soup is as simple to prepare as it is delicious to savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a colorful mix of diced vegetables. The bottom layer is sautéed chopped onions, creating a translucent yellow base. On top of that are evenly mixed diced green and red bell peppers, adding a vibrant splash of green and red colors. In the center right, there are two small piles of finely chopped garlic and mixed dried herbs, their pale yellow and dark green textures resting on the vegetable mix. A black spoon with a silver handle lies inside the pot, partly resting on the vegetables, ready to stir. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that shine individually and blend harmoniously. Each component adds a unique texture or burst of flavor, creating a balanced and nourishing meal that’ll quickly become a household favorite.

1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein with minimal grease, essential for rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Elevate and balance every ingredient with just the right seasoning.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds a silky richness when sautéing vegetables and enhances overall mouthfeel.
1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor base.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Offers vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that complements the savory beef.
1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a crisp, slightly bitter note rounding out the pepper profile.
4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with pungent warmth and aromatic complexity.
½ teaspoon dried basil: Imparts a sweet, slightly peppery herbaceous touch.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes an earthy, lemony flavor that brightens the broth.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: Lends subtle woodsy notes that deepen the herbal character.
2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Deliver smoky, rich tomato goodness for a bold base.
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds smooth texture and intensifies tomato flavor throughout the soup.
2 cups low-sodium beef broth: Creates a savory liquid foundation without overpowering saltiness.
2 cups cooked white or brown rice: Introduces body and heartiness, making the soup filling and comforting.
Optional: shaved parmesan and roughly chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Add a final touch of freshness and cheesy richness.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Step 1: Browning the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Breaking up the meat with a spatula ensures it cooks evenly and develops that delicious browned crust. Once fully cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy, then set the beef aside to use later.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables and Aromatics

In the same pot, heat the olive oil before tossing in the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them until they soften and release their natural sweetness, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic along with dried basil, oregano, and thyme, cooking just long enough to awaken their fragrant qualities without burning—roughly 30 seconds is perfect.

Step 3: Building the Soup Base

Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir, cover the pot, and bring it all to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the flavors mingle for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, you can cook your rice if it isn’t prepped yet—this multitasking saves time and ensures the rice is tender for the final step.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Stir the cooked rice directly into the simmered soup. If you prefer a slightly thinner consistency, add a bit more broth to achieve your desired texture. At this stage, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the bursting bowl of Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe into serving bowls, ready for garnishing or diving in as is.

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

Two white bowls are filled with thick red soup containing visible chunks of vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and celery, along with grains or small pasta pieces and bits of meat, all garnished with small green herb leaves. The front bowl has thin white cheese shavings on top, with a silver spoon resting inside. Behind and to the side, there is a small white bowl filled with chopped green herbs. Pieces of white cheese slices are placed on a wooden board next to the bowls. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a white and gray textured cloth visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like roughly chopped parsley introduces a lovely bright contrast to the rich soup, while shaved parmesan lends a silky, salty finish that melts with each spoonful. These simple touches elevate the meal visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or classic grilled cheese sandwiches for dunking, making your meal super cozy. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the heartiness, balancing textures on the plate for a full, satisfying dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or robust bread bowls. These presentations not only impress guests but also turn your meal into an interactive feast, perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers can taste even better. Just be sure to cool the soup completely before sealing it to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this comforting soup later, freeze it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Leave some room at the top in your container to allow the soup to expand as it freezes. Label with the date for convenience.

Reheating

Gently reheat your soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming. Adding a splash of broth or water helps adjust the consistency if it thickens in storage.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken make fantastic lean alternatives, offering a slightly lighter flavor while maintaining the soup’s hearty character.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the rice before adding it to the soup?

Yes, cooking the rice beforehand is recommended to ensure it has the perfect texture, as adding uncooked rice directly to the soup could lead to uneven cooking or a mushy result.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can easily swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or add hearty beans like black or kidney beans. Also, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

How spicy is this Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe?

This recipe is designed to be mild and family-friendly. If you like a bit of heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sautéing step will give it a nice kick.

What type of rice works best in this recipe?

Both white and brown rice work well here; white rice offers a softer, more neutral bite while brown rice contributes nuttiness and a bit more chewiness. Choose based on your texture preference.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that makes you feel warm and cozy from the inside out, this Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its rich layers of flavor, straightforward preparation, and comforting ingredients hit that sweet spot between nourishing and indulgent. Gather your ingredients, get cooking, and soon you’ll have a new favorite soup to curl up with on chilly nights or share with those you love.