Stuffed Pepper Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, rice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice and peppers are tender.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
20 Popular Questions and Answers for Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the soup a bit leaner.
- How can I make the soup thicker?
- Use less broth or cook a bit longer to let it reduce. Alternatively, add extra rice.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Can I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice?
- Yes, but add it at the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
- How long does this soup last in the fridge?
- It keeps for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze Stuffed Pepper Soup?
- Yes, but if you plan to freeze it, cook the rice separately and add it when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- How can I make it spicier?
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
- Is it gluten-free?
- As long as your beef broth and seasonings are gluten-free, this soup is gluten-free.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Absolutely! Carrots, zucchini, and celery work well.
- What’s the best rice to use?
- White or brown rice works well, but brown rice will add more fiber.
- Can I use canned or instant rice?
- Yes, but reduce cooking time if using instant rice or add it at the end if using pre-cooked rice.
- Do I have to cook the rice separately?
- No, you can cook it directly in the soup, which absorbs flavors as it cooks.
- How do I make this soup vegetarian?
- Use vegetable broth and substitute the beef with a plant-based ground or extra beans.
- Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?
- Yes, just use a smaller amount and add extra broth or water to balance the consistency.
- What cheese goes well on top?
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar are delicious options for topping.
- How can I make it lower in carbs?
- Use cauliflower rice or skip the rice altogether.
- Can I make this with quinoa instead of rice?
- Yes, just adjust cooking time since quinoa cooks faster.
- Is fresh garlic necessary?
- Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Can I add beans?
- Yes, black beans or kidney beans are great additions.
- How can I make it taste richer?
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of sugar enhances flavor.
30 Helpful Tips to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup Even More Delightful
- Brown the beef well to develop rich flavor.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley as garnish for freshness.
- Cook the rice separately if you plan on freezing the soup.
- Add a bay leaf while simmering for added depth.
- Include a dash of red wine for richness.
- Roast the bell peppers before adding for a smoky flavor.
- Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for added flavor.
- Add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky taste.
- Top with shredded cheese just before serving.
- Include a pinch of sugar to balance acidity in the tomatoes.
- Sauté the onions until golden for a richer base.
- Use a mix of red and green peppers for color and taste.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
- Stir in a handful of spinach at the end for extra nutrients.
- Try adding ground cumin for a hint of earthiness.
- Use beef stock concentrate for deeper flavor.
- Replace some broth with tomato juice for a tomato-forward soup.
- Cook in a Dutch oven for even heat distribution.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor.
- Add chopped celery for a classic touch.
- Top with crumbled tortilla chips for texture.
- Add green chilies for a slight kick.
- Use bone broth for a nutrient boost.
- Let it simmer longer for deeper flavors.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme for a savory aroma.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Mix in a bit of cream cheese for a creamy texture.
- Garnish with chopped chives for a mild onion flavor.
- Serve with warm bread or rolls for a cozy meal.
30 Secrets to Achieving the Perfect Christmas Peanut Butter Balls
- Use creamy peanut butter for smooth texture.
- Add a pinch of salt if using unsalted peanut butter.
- Chill the mixture before rolling to make it easier to handle.
- Use a small cookie scoop for even-sized balls.
- Roll the balls in your hands for a smooth finish.
- Freeze the balls briefly before dipping to help chocolate set.
- Use quality dipping chocolate for best flavor.
- Melt chocolate slowly over low heat or in a double boiler.
- Add a bit of coconut oil to chocolate for a shiny finish.
- Dip with a toothpick or fork for easy coating.
- Let excess chocolate drip off for a neat look.
- Place dipped balls on wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- Add a drizzle of white chocolate for decoration.
- Top with sea salt flakes for a sweet-salty taste.
- Use powdered sugar, not granulated for a smoother filling.
- Mix in crushed graham crackers for added crunch.
- Try almond butter or cashew butter for a twist.
- Add a drop of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Use mini cupcake liners for presentation.
- Chill chocolate-dipped balls quickly in the fridge.
- Top with festive sprinkles before chocolate hardens.
- Make ahead and freeze for easy holiday prep.
- Use melted chocolate chips if you don’t have dipping chocolate.
- Avoid over-mixing to keep texture light.
- Shape into mini trees or stars for a holiday theme.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips for added flavor.
- Use a toothpick to repair cracks in the chocolate.
- Dip half in white chocolate for variety.
- Store in an airtight container to keep fresh.
These recipes, tips, and secrets should make your Stuffed Pepper Soup and Christmas Peanut Butter Balls extra delicious! Let me know how they turn out! 😊