5-Star Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a comforting, hearty meal that delivers amazing flavor with every spoonful, look no further than this 5-Star Stuffed Pepper Soup. It perfectly captures all the nostalgia of classic stuffed peppers, but in a warm, cozy soup form that’s absolutely irresistible. This soup is a delightful mash-up where tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and flavorful tomatoes come together with savory broth and a bit of rice to create a well-rounded, soul-satisfying dish. Trust me, once you try this 5-Star Stuffed Pepper Soup, it’ll quickly become your go-to for cozy dinner nights and impressing family or friends alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial part in building the rich taste, hearty texture, and inviting color of this soup. With straightforward staples and a few seasonings, you’ll be amazed at how spectacular these flavors come together.

• 2 pounds ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base that makes the soup so satisfying and rich.
• 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and a savory backbone to the flavor profile.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a fragrant punch that livens up every bite.
• 2 bell peppers (any color) (chopped): Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crispness and pops of color that brighten the soup.
• 3 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce: Creates a luscious tomato base that ties all the ingredients together.
• 2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds texture and a burst of juicy tomato flavor.
• 2 cups beef broth: Deepens the soup’s savoriness and melds flavors harmoniously.
• 2 cups water: Balances out the broth for the perfect soup consistency.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Provides a subtle counterpoint to the savory elements, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
• 1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings an herbal warmth reminiscent of classic stuffed peppers.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives an extra layer of garlicky goodness throughout.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors just right.
• ¾ teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to round out the taste.
• 1 ⅓ cups instant rice: Quickly cooks in the soup, adding satisfying substance and capturing the essence of stuffed peppers.
• For serving: chopped fresh parsley or freshly grated parmesan cheese: Fresh herbs or cheese add a lovely finishing touch with extra flavor and sparkle.

How to Make 5-Star Stuffed Pepper Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Aromatics

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the ground beef alongside the chopped onion and minced garlic. This combination releases amazing aromas and builds your soup’s savory foundation. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onions turn translucent. Don’t rush this step—it’s key for developing deep, rich flavors. Once done, drain the excess liquid to keep your soup from getting greasy and return the pot to the stove.

Step 2: Add Peppers and Tomatoes

Next, stir in the chopped bell peppers, tomato sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes. The bell peppers add a vibrant sweetness and fresh texture while the tomatoes create a velvety base full of color and classic stuffed pepper essence.

Step 3: Pour in Broth, Water, and Seasonings

Add the beef broth, water, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Give everything a good stir and bring the soup to a gentle boil. The brown sugar surprisingly enhances the savory elements, balancing acidity and adding complexity. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully and the peppers to soften just right. This step really brings out that iconic stuffed pepper soup character!

Step 4: Cook the Instant Rice

After simmering, stir in the instant rice and continue to simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the rice is tender. If you like your soup thinner, feel free to add a little extra beef broth at this stage. Taste test and adjust salt and pepper if needed. The rice helps thicken the soup and turns it into the full, comfort-food feel you’re aiming for.

How to Serve 5-Star Stuffed Pepper Soup

Garnishes

To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup before serving for a lovely pop of green and bright flavor. If you’re a cheese lover, freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty, creamy finish that pairs so well with the hearty broth and meaty rice.

Side Dishes

This soup is quite the all-in-one meal, but if you want to add some crunch or additional sides, crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad complement the flavors perfectly. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of that delicious broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the 5-Star Stuffed Pepper Soup in individual bread bowls or hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for an eye-catching presentation that doubles the stuffed pepper effect. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy tang or sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for extra texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover 5-Star Stuffed Pepper Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s just as tasty, if not better, the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating as the rice tends to settle at the bottom.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for an easy, satisfying meal when you’re short on time or need a comforting fix on a chilly day.

Reheating

When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen and warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup back to your desired consistency. Bring it to a simmer but avoid boiling to keep the rice texture pleasant.

FAQs

Can I use long grain rice instead of instant rice?

Absolutely! If you don’t have instant rice, you can substitute long grain white or brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the simmering time accordingly—usually about 20 minutes for white rice and closer to 40 for brown rice. Keep an eye on the liquid levels and add more broth or water as needed.

Is this soup spicy?

This version of the 5-Star Stuffed Pepper Soup is mild and comforting, focusing on savory and slightly sweet flavors. However, if you enjoy a little kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rich tomato base and seasonings still make it incredibly satisfying.

What is the best type of bell pepper to use?

You can use any color bell peppers—red, green, yellow, or orange. Red peppers are sweeter, while green bell peppers provide a bit more bite. Mixing colors adds vibrant visuals and a nice balance of sweet and slightly bitter notes.

Why is brown sugar added to the soup?

The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the savory, slightly herbal notes of the soup. It’s a classic trick in stuffed pepper recipes to elevate the overall flavor complexity without making the soup taste sweet.

Final Thoughts

This 5-Star Stuffed Pepper Soup is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers warmth, comfort, and fantastic flavor all in one bowl. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or serving friends and family, it’s easy to make and satisfying every time. Dive into a bowl of this soup soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight tradition!

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