Stuffed Pepper Soup Is a Full Meal in a Bowl – Don’t Lose This Hearty Recipe 💕
When the craving hits for something warm, hearty, and completely satisfying, there’s one dish that delivers every time: Stuffed Pepper Soup. It’s everything you love about traditional stuffed peppers—juicy ground beef, sweet bell peppers, savory garlic, and rich tomato flavor—all simmered together in one comforting bowl. This soup is more than just a side dish. It’s a full meal in a bowl, packed with flavor, nutrients, and the kind of homemade love that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
🥄 Ingredients for the Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
To create this wholesome and satisfying dish, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
While these are your base ingredients, they form the essential trio that sets the tone for this hearty soup. More ingredients are added below to complete the recipe.
🍲 Full List of Ingredients (with Measurements)
Here’s the complete list to make a generous pot of stuffed pepper soup that will feed the whole family—or leave you with leftovers that taste even better the next day:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (32 oz) carton beef broth (or 4 cups)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cooked white rice (can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice)
Optional for garnish: fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb. ground beef until it is browned and no longer pink. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep your soup lighter and less greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
This step builds a flavorful base and releases the natural sweetness of the onions and peppers.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then bring everything to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
Step 4: Stir in Cooked Rice
Once the soup has simmered, stir in 1 cup of cooked rice. Let it warm through for 5 more minutes. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add extra rice. For a more broth-based soup, reduce the rice or add more beef broth.
🥘 Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
One of the best things about stuffed pepper soup is that it stores beautifully.
- Make-Ahead: Cook the soup without adding the rice and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Add freshly cooked rice before serving to avoid mushiness.
- Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers (without rice) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
🌿 Variations to Make It Your Own
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken
For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The result is just as satisfying with fewer calories.
Try Different Grains
Quinoa, barley, or cauliflower rice all make excellent substitutes for white rice and can add variety to your meal.
Add Heat
If you enjoy a spicy kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while the soup simmers.
Make It Cheesy
Add a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese just before serving for a melty, creamy texture that takes this dish to the next level.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Stuffed pepper soup is rich and satisfying on its own, but these pairings will complete your dinner table:
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- Side salad with balsamic dressing
- Cornbread or rolls
- Grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese on top
This soup is also perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or freezer meals. It reheats like a dream and gets even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
🧂 Nutritional Info (Approximate, Per 1½ Cup Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Values may vary depending on brand of ingredients used and rice type.
🍁 Why Stuffed Pepper Soup Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Few dishes bring together comfort, nutrition, and ease of preparation like stuffed pepper soup. It delivers the nostalgic flavor of oven-baked stuffed peppers without the time-consuming prep. Instead of stuffing each pepper, everything comes together in one cozy, simmering pot.
Perfect for fall evenings, busy weeknights, or a comforting Sunday dinner, this soup satisfies with every spoonful. It’s family-approved, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Make it once and you’ll understand why this is a recipe you’ll never want to lose. 💕