Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s a good idea to prepare all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- Chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Open the canned tomatoes and tomato sauce and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Ground Meat
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef (or your choice of ground meat) to the pot.
- Break the meat up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess fat, you can drain it off at this point.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped bell peppers to the pot and stir to combine. Let the peppers cook with the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
Step 4: Add the Liquids and Seasonings
Now it's time to add the liquids and seasonings to create the base of the soup.
- Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce.
- Add the beef broth (or your choice of broth), ensuring there's enough liquid to cover the ingredients in the pot.
- Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. If you want a deeper umami flavor, you can also add a tablespoon of soy sauce at this point.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Once the broth and seasonings are in the pot, add the uncooked rice to the mixture. Stir to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to simmer.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
Step 6: Adjust the Seasoning and Texture
After the soup has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper, depending on your preference.
- If the soup is too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the soup is done, it’s time to serve it up! Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and chopped parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Optional Variations
This stuffed bell pepper soup recipe is versatile, and you can customize it according to your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the ground meat and use a combination of beans (such as black beans or kidney beans) and extra vegetables like zucchini or corn. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- Use quinoa instead of rice: If you prefer quinoa, it can be used as a substitute for the rice for a gluten-free version.
- Add some spice: For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the soup.
- Switch up the cheese: Try using cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan for different flavors.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
- Use a variety of bell peppers for the best flavor. A mix of colors adds both visual appeal and a slight variation in taste.
- Rinse the rice before adding it to the soup to prevent the soup from becoming too starchy.
- Don’t skip the simmering step—this is when all the flavors meld together and create a rich, savory soup.
Conclusion
Stuffed bell pepper soup is a cozy, filling, and flavorful dish that brings all the best elements of stuffed peppers into an easy-to-make soup. With its hearty meat, vegetables, and rice, this soup makes for a perfect family meal or a satisfying dinner on a chilly evening. Plus, it’s highly customizable to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Follow these steps, and you'll have a delicious bowl of stuffed bell pepper soup ready to enjoy in no time!
