Stuffed Pepper Soup is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers into a warm, hearty soup. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe shines during chilly nights and family gatherings alike. Its versatility allows for easy customization, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Packed with protein and vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of spices and ingredients creates a rich taste that will leave you wanting more.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
- Versatile Dish: Customize with your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
- Healthy Option: Loaded with fresh ingredients, this soup offers a wholesome meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make all the difference when preparing your Stuffed Pepper Soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
Why These Tools Matter
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking large quantities, ensuring even heat distribution for thorough cooking.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps mix ingredients evenly.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken chicken chicken italian sausage (ground turkey or chicken works great too!)
– 1 lb Ground Beef
– 1 Yellow Onion, Diced
– 5-6 Green Bell Peppers, chopped into bite-sized pieces
– 6-7 Garlic Cloves, minced
– 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
– 28 oz Can of Crushed Tomatoes
– (2) 14.5 oz Cans of Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
– 1 tsp Sauteed Onion Flavored Better than Bouillon (or beef or chicken bouillon)
– 2 Cups Water (if you don’t use the bouillon, use 2 cups of water)
– (2) 10.5 oz Packages of Frozen Riced Cauliflower (cooked and drained)
– 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
– 1 tbsp Onion Powder
– 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
– 1 tbsp Dried Basil
– 1 tbsp White Sugar
– 1 tbsp Slap Ya Mama or any other cajun seasoning (optional for a little spice)
– Salt and Pepper to taste
How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the meat with the onions, peppers, and garlic over medium heat.
* Drain any excess grease.
* Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about three minutes.
* Mix in all the seasonings listed above.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the canned tomatoes, bouillon, water, and riced cauliflower to the pot.
* Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
* Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Simmer for Flavor
Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour.
* The longer it simmers, the more flavors will develop!
* Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Enjoy your delicious Stuffed Pepper Soup with crusty bread or on its own!
How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Soup
Serving Stuffed Pepper Soup can elevate your meal experience. The warm, hearty nature of this dish makes it perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance the enjoyment of your soup.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Basil Leaves – Add whole basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the seasonings.
Accompany with Bread
- Crusty Bread – Serve with slices of rustic bread for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread – Pair with garlic bread for a flavorful crunch that contrasts with the soup’s texture.
Serve with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar – Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy addition.
- Parmesan Cheese – Grate fresh Parmesan on top for a salty finish that enhances the flavors.
Add a Side Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad – A light salad dressed in vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar pairs well, offering crisp romaine and creamy dressing.
How to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
To create the best version of Stuffed Pepper Soup, consider these helpful tips that will enhance its flavor and texture.
- Bold Flavors – Use fresh herbs and spices to elevate the taste; don’t shy away from adding more garlic or oregano.
- Layer Ingredients – Sauté vegetables before adding liquids to build depth in flavor.
- Simmer Longer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer melds all flavors together beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste your soup as it cooks and adjust seasoning according to your preference for salt and spice.
- Use Fresh Produce – Opt for fresh bell peppers and tomatoes when possible; they add vibrant flavor.
- Experiment with Veggies – Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for added nutrition and variety.
Best Side Dishes for Stuffed Pepper Soup
When enjoying Stuffed Pepper Soup, side dishes can complement its rich flavors wonderfully. Here are some great options to consider:
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits topped with melted cheese, perfect for soaking up the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes offers a light side option.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned well make a hearty side that pairs nicely with soup.
- Stuffed Breadsticks – Breadsticks filled with cheese or herbs bring an extra layer of flavor alongside your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Stuffed Pepper Soup, it’s easy to overlook crucial steps or ingredients. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using Too Much Liquid: Adding excessive water or broth can dilute the flavor. Stick to the recipe’s recommended amounts for a rich taste.
- Skipping Seasoning: Forgetting spices can lead to bland soup. Don’t be shy with the seasonings; they enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Not Browning the Meat Properly: Failing to brown the meat can result in a less savory soup. Ensure you brown it well before adding other ingredients for depth of flavor.
- Ignoring Cooking Time: Rushing the simmering process can affect texture and taste. Allow the soup to simmer for at least 45 minutes for best results.
- Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Add them at appropriate times to maintain their texture and flavor.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a hearty dish that combines all the flavors of stuffed peppers into a comforting soup form. It features ground meat, bell peppers, and tomatoes seasoned perfectly.
Can I customize my Stuffed Pepper Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like corn or zucchini, or switch up the type of meat based on your preference.
How do I make Stuffed Pepper Soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more beans or lentils for protein. You can also enhance flavors with additional spices.
What can I serve with Stuffed Pepper Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even some cheesy garlic bread for dipping!
Can I use fresh peppers instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes! Fresh peppers work great in this recipe; just ensure they are chopped finely so they cook evenly with the other ingredients.
Conclusion
Stuffed Pepper Soup is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you want it spicier or packed with more veggies, this recipe adapts beautifully. Give it a try and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Stuffed Pepper Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that captures the delicious flavors of stuffed peppers in a warm, hearty bowl. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, offering rich and satisfying nourishment. With its delightful blend of fresh vegetables and savory spices, it’s easy to customize this recipe to cater to your dietary preferences. Packed with protein from ground chicken and wholesome ingredients like bell peppers and tomatoes, this nutritious soup is not only tasty but also a great option for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 5–6 green bell peppers, chopped
- 6–7 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp sautéed onion flavored bouillon
- 2 cups water
- 2 packages (10.5 oz each) frozen riced cauliflower
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp cajun seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground chicken or turkey and beef with onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for three minutes before adding all spices.
- Mix in the crushed and diced tomatoes, bouillon, water, and riced cauliflower. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
