Stuffed Pepper Soup

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Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Cozy, Hearty Comfort Food

Stuffed Pepper Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together all the flavors of a classic stuffed pepper into a rich, hearty soup. This one-pot dish is incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for any time of year. With its combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice, this soup provides both warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. If you’re a fan of stuffed peppers, you’ll love this soup as it delivers all the same comforting flavors in a simpler, quicker, and more convenient way.

What Makes Stuffed Pepper Soup So Special?

There’s something about the combination of sweet peppers, savory meats, and tender rice that makes stuffed peppers so comforting. Stuffed Pepper Soup brings all those beloved flavors into one pot without the need to fuss over hollowing out peppers and stuffing them one by one. Whether you’re craving a filling weeknight dinner or an easy-to-make dish for a crowd, this soup is the perfect choice.

The Ingredients You Need for a Flavorful Soup

What makes this soup even better is how simple the ingredients are. You likely have most of them in your pantry and fridge already. Let’s break down the key ingredients that make Stuffed Pepper Soup a family favorite.

Meat: Ground Beef & Italian Sausage

  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage: The Italian sausage provides a slightly spicy, savory kick that complements the sweetness of the peppers. The rich flavor of the sausage blends perfectly with the other ingredients, adding depth to the soup.
  • 1/2 lb lean ground beef: The ground beef contributes to the heartiness of the soup and adds richness to the broth. It also helps create a satisfying texture, making the soup filling and substantial.

Vegetables: Onions & Bell Peppers

  • 1 small finely chopped onion: Onion provides an aromatic base for the soup. When cooked, it becomes sweet and savory, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
  • 1 green pepper & 1 red pepper (finely chopped): Bell peppers bring a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup. They soften as the soup simmers, adding a mellow flavor that complements the richness of the beef and sausage.

Rice: The Heart of the Soup

  • 3/4 cup raw rice: The rice adds texture and body to the soup, making it a more filling meal. Jasmine rice is a great option as it has a delicate fragrance and soft texture when cooked, though you can use any variety you prefer. The rice also soaks up the delicious broth, adding to the comforting nature of the dish.

Broth & Tomatoes: For a Flavorful Base

  • 4 cups low sodium beef broth: Beef broth is the perfect base for this soup, providing a deep, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the sausage and beef. Using low-sodium broth ensures you can control the salt content.
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth: To balance out the beef broth, the chicken or vegetable broth adds lighter, more subtle flavors that complement the richness of the beef and sausage.
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) salsa tomatoes: Salsa-style tomatoes bring a tangy, zesty element to the soup, which brightens up the flavor profile and helps balance the richness of the meats and rice.

Seasonings: Simple Yet Essential

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: These basic seasonings are essential to bring out the flavors of the soup. Seasoning the soup to taste allows you to adjust it to your preference, whether you like it saltier or with a bit of extra peppery kick.

How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Stuffed Pepper Soup is incredibly simple, thanks to the one-pot nature of the recipe. You’ll have a hearty and delicious meal on the table in no time. Let’s walk through the steps for preparing this cozy soup.

Step 1: Brown the Meats and Vegetables

  1. Cook the Ground Meat: In a large pot or casserole dish, start by browning the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium heat. As the meats cook, use a wooden spoon to break them up into small pieces.
  2. Add the Vegetables: Once the meats are browned, add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the pot. Stir the mixture a few times to ensure the vegetables start to soften. The onions will become translucent, and the peppers will begin to release their natural sweetness.
  3. Cook the Garlic: In the final minute of browning, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the chopped garlic. Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, and cook until fragrant.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup Base

  1. Add the Broths and Tomatoes: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth, and salsa tomatoes. Stir everything together, ensuring that the meat and vegetables are evenly distributed in the liquid.
  2. Let it Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the peppers start to soften and become tender.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Cook Until Tender

  1. Add the Rice: Once the soup has simmered and the peppers have softened, add the raw rice to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice with the broth and meat mixture.
  2. Cover and Cook: Cover the pot and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavorful broth.

Step 4: Season and Serve

  1. Season the Soup: Taste the soup and add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your preferences.
  2. Serve Immediately: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a good amount of meat, rice, and vegetables. The soup is best enjoyed hot, with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Pepper Soup

Stuffed Pepper Soup is a perfect meal for those who crave a hearty and filling dish but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory sausage, beef, sweet bell peppers, and tender rice creates a rich and satisfying soup that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day. Plus, it’s an ideal recipe for meal prep or leftovers, as the flavors only get better after sitting overnight.

This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or using spicy sausage for an extra kick. If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to reduce the amount of meat and increase the vegetables. The rice can be swapped for quinoa, barley, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

The Perfect Comfort Food for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a cozy weekend lunch, Stuffed Pepper Soup is sure to impress. Its easy preparation, budget-friendly ingredients, and comforting flavors make it a staple in many households. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your go-to soups for chilly days or whenever you need something warm and satisfying.

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