Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 bell peppers, diced (use a mix of red, green, yellow for color and flavor)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
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1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for depth)
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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¾ cup uncooked white or brown rice
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Optional garnish: chopped parsley, shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes).
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Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
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Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot.
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Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
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Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, broth, and tomato paste (if using).
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Add basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Add Rice:
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Stir in uncooked rice.
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Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender.
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Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a bit more broth or water if soup thickens too much.
5. Taste and Serve:
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley or shredded cheese if desired.
Tips and Variations
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Make it ahead: Cook the rice separately and add it to the soup when serving to prevent it from getting mushy.
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Low-carb version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice (add in last 5–10 minutes).
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Spicier version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
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Freezer-friendly: Cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Let me know if you want a slow cooker version, a vegetarian alternative, or a pressure cooker adaptation.
