WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Are you ready to warm up your dinner routine? This Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup is not just flavorful but also super easy to make! Packed with fresh veggies and savory meat, it’s a hearty meal that everyone will love. In just a few simple steps, you can create a comforting dish that offers all the deliciousness of stuffed peppers in a cozy soup. Let’s dive into the tasty details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: This soup captures the essence of stuffed bell peppers in a warm, hearty bowl, perfect for chilly days.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out proteins or add extra veggies to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great option for family meals.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make stuffed bell pepper soup, gather these simple ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color), diced
– 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 pound ground turkey or beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Substitutions for Key Ingredients
You can easily swap some ingredients if needed:
– Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.
– Ground chicken or pork can replace turkey or beef for a different flavor.
– If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works well too.
– For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add more beans or lentils.
Recommended Toppings
Toppings can make your soup even better. Try these:
– A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds creaminess.
– Fresh parsley gives a nice color and fresh taste.
– Sour cream or Greek yogurt can add a tangy flavor.
– Crushed red pepper flakes for heat if you like spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Meat
First, take a large pot and set it on medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey or beef. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces. Keep stirring until it turns brown. This step adds a lot of flavor.
Incorporating the Vegetables
Next, add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir these in and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear. Then, add 4 large diced bell peppers. Cook them for another 5 minutes. They will soften and mix well with the meat.
Simmering the Flavors
Now, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together. Add 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together. If the soup is too thick, add more broth to reach your preferred consistency.
Tips & Tricks
How to Enhance Flavor
To make your stuffed bell pepper soup sing, use fresh herbs. Try adding basil or oregano. These herbs give a fresh taste. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for heat. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness too. Always taste as you go, adjusting seasonings to your liking. A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of tomatoes.
Best Practices for Texture
For a great texture, cut your bell peppers into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Sauté them until they soften, but keep some crunch. If the soup is too thick, add extra broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken. Use cooked rice for a nice bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is overcooking the meat. Cook it just until brown, then move on. Don’t skip sautéing the onion and garlic; they add depth. Avoid using old spices; fresh herbs and spices make a big difference. Lastly, don’t forget to adjust the seasoning after simmering. Taste the soup before serving!
Pro Tips
- Choose Your Peppers: For a sweeter flavor, opt for red, yellow, or orange bell peppers. Green peppers will add a more bitter taste.
- Enhance the Flavor: Incorporate a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey or beef with lentils or a meat alternative to create a delicious vegetarian version.
- Garnish for Freshness: Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt alongside the cheese for added creaminess and flavor.

Variations
Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this soup. Start by skipping the ground meat. Use 1 can of black beans instead. Add more diced bell peppers for a fresh taste. Include some corn for sweetness. You can use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based. Don’t forget to add your favorite spices. This soup stays hearty, filling, and flavorful without meat.
Spicy Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
If you like heat, spice it up! Add a diced jalapeño or two when cooking the meat. You can also include some crushed red pepper flakes. This will give your soup a nice kick. A dash of hot sauce can also work wonders. Just remember to adjust the other spices. Balance is key for a delicious spicy soup.
Low-Carb Options
For a low-carb version, skip the rice. You can use riced cauliflower instead. It adds texture without the carbs. Feel free to add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. They enhance flavor and nutrition. Use low-sodium broth if you want to cut back on salt. This option stays satisfying while keeping carbs low.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the soup cool first. Then, scoop it into an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Always label the container with the date. This will help you track how long it’s been stored.
Reheating Instructions
When you are ready to enjoy the soup again, take it out of the fridge. Pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium heat. Stir it often, so it warms evenly. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.
Freezing Tips
To freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion. This helps prevent the container from cracking. It’s best to freeze the soup without cheese. When you reheat it later, you can add fresh cheese. The soup can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Always remember to label the bags with the date. This way, you know what’s inside and when you put it there.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can use different types of meat. Ground turkey or beef works well. You can also try ground chicken or pork. If you prefer, you can make it meatless. Just add more veggies or use beans for protein.
What’s the best way to store the soup?
To store the soup, wait for it to cool. Pour it into an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it lasts for three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To add spice, include hot sauce or crushed red pepper. You can also use spicy sausage instead of ground meat. Adding diced jalapeños or chili powder will boost the heat too. Just adjust the amount to match your taste.
In this blog post, I covered key ingredients for stuffed bell pepper soup. We explored substitutes, toppings, and step-by-step cooking instructions. You learned tips to boost flavor and find the best texture. I also shared variations and storage info to keep your soup fresh.
Now, you’re ready to make a tasty soup your way. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and find your perfect recip
Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup featuring bell peppers, ground meat, and rice, topped with cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- for garnish fresh parsley
In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground turkey or beef, cooking until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces.
Once the meat is cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and the broth. Stir to combine.
Add in the cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
After 20 minutes, adjust seasoning as necessary. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serve the soup hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.
Adjust the consistency with more broth if needed.
Keyword bell pepper, comfort food, ground meat, soup
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?