However, if you’re looking for a way to enjoy these delicious flavors in a more convenient and warming format, stuffed pepper soup is the answer. This recipe transforms the essence of stuffed peppers into a hearty, flavorful soup that’s perfect for any time of the year. Let’s explore how to make this comforting dish step by step.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious stuffed pepper soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground sirloin
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup white rice
Directions
1. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything prepped and ready makes the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable. Chop the green bell pepper and finely dice the onion.
2. Cooking the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin to the hot skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and crumbly. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the beef is cooked through, drain and discard any excess grease.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the chopped green bell pepper and diced onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook and stir the vegetables until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. This step helps to release the flavors of the vegetables and integrates them with the beef.
4. Combining the Soup Ingredients
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a large pot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in the dried thyme and dried sage, then season with salt and pepper to taste. These herbs add a subtle depth of flavor that complements the heartiness of the soup.
5. Simmering the Soup
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer over medium heat until the bell peppers are tender. This should take about 30 to 45 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and satisfying broth.
6. Cooking the Rice
While the soup is simmering, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the white rice, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. This should take about 20 to 25 minutes. Cooking the rice separately ensures it maintains its texture and doesn’t become mushy when added to the soup.
7. Combining Rice and Soup
Once the rice is cooked and the peppers in the soup are tender, stir the rice into the soup. Heat through for a few more minutes to ensure everything is well combined and warm.
8. Serving the Soup
Ladle the stuffed pepper soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Choosing the Meat: Ground sirloin is a great choice for this recipe because it has a good balance of flavor and fat. However, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Bell Pepper Variations: While green bell pepper is traditional, you can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a slightly sweeter flavor and a more colorful presentation.
- Rice Alternatives: White rice is classic, but you can substitute it with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the soup a nice kick.
Nutritional Benefits
Stuffed pepper soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here are some of the benefits:
- High in Protein: The ground sirloin provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in Vitamins: Bell peppers are a great source of vitamins A and C, which support immune health and skin integrity.
- Fiber Content: The vegetables and rice add dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and helping to keep you feeling full longer.
- Balanced Meal: This soup offers a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, making it a wholesome meal.
Storing and Reheating
This stuffed pepper soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
Conclusion
Stuffed pepper soup is a wonderful way to enjoy the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a convenient, one-pot meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. With its rich tomato base, tender bell peppers, and savory ground beef, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a bowl of comforting stuffed pepper soup that will warm you from the inside out.
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Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Hearty Comfort Food Classic
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that captures the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers in a warm, savory broth. This soup is loaded with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg