Ret Soup
Introduction
Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than this delicious Stuffed Pepper Soup. Packed with flavorful ground beef, tender bell peppers, and rice in a rich tomato broth, this dish is perfect for cozy nights in or family dinners. It’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy the classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the fuss of stuffing and baking.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
800ml beef broth
400ml tomato sauce
400g diced tomatoes
200g cooked white rice
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp olive oil
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
This Stuffed Pepper Soup is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful and filling. Gather the ingredients and enjoy a comforting bowl of soup that the whole family will love!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced small onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add 500g of ground beef to the pot, cooking until it is browned. If necessary, drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Add the Bell Peppers
Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers, cooking for about 3 minutes until they are slightly softened.
Step 5: Combine the Liquids
Pour in 800ml of beef broth, 400ml of tomato sauce, and 400g of diced tomatoes into the pot.
Step 6: Season the Soup
Stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano.
Step 7: Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes.
Step 8: Add the Rice
After simmering, add 200g of cooked white rice to the soup and stir well. Allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 9: Taste and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 10: Serve
Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
Notes
Storage
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing
This soup freezes well; you can freeze it in portion sizes for easy future meals.
Rice Options
Feel free to substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a variation.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags after it has cooled. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed pepper soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top adds creaminess and richness. For a refreshing contrast, include a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing as a light side dish.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approx. 1.5 cups):
– Calories: 360
– Protein: 24g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Dietary Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 4g
– Fat: 18g
– Saturated Fat: 7g
– Sodium: 800mg
Ingredient Substitutions
– Ground Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for a leaner or vegetarian version.
– Beef Broth: Substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
– Rice: Quinoa or brown rice can replace white rice for added nutrition.
– Bell Peppers: Any color of bell pepper can be used, or you can use diced zucchini or mushrooms as an alternative.
– Worcestershire Sauce: Tamari or soy sauce can be used for flavor, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
Cook Techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. In this recipe, onions and garlic are sautéed to release their flavors before adding other ingredients.
Simmering
Simmering is a cooking technique that involves gently boiling a liquid. In this soup, simmering allows the flavors of the meat, vegetables, and broth to meld together, resulting in a rich and hearty dish.
Stirring
Stirring helps to evenly distribute heat and ingredients throughout the dish. Regular stirring ensures that the rice does not clump and all components are well combined in the soup.
Adjusting Seasoning
Tasting and adjusting seasoning is a crucial step in cooking. In this recipe, it’s important to taste the soup before serving to enhance the flavors according to personal preference.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water if you prefer. Just be mindful that this will slightly change the flavor of the soup.
Can this soup be made in advance?
Yes, the soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils and mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and ensure the tomato sauce is free of animal products.
What are good toppings for stuffed pepper soup?
Some great toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
Conclusion
This hearty stuffed pepper soup is a wonderful dish that combines the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a comforting and easy-to-make soup. The inclusion of ground beef, bell peppers, and rice in a rich tomato broth not only provides a fulfilling meal but also warms the soul. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner with family and friends.
Stuffed Pepper Soup with Turkey
Swap ground beef for ground turkey to create a lighter version of the soup while keeping it just as delicious and satisfying.
Vegetarian Stuffed Pepper Soup
Use a combination of lentils, black beans, or chickpeas instead of meat for a hearty vegetarian take. Add in plenty of veggies like corn and zucchini for extra nutrition.
Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Soup
Top each serving of soup with shredded cheese or a dollop of cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture that enhances the flavors.
Spicy Stuffed Pepper Soup
Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the recipe for a spicy kick that elevates this comforting soup to a fiery delight.
Quinoa Stuffed Pepper Soup
Substitute rice with quinoa for an added protein boost and a slightly different texture, making the soup even more nutritious.
Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
Prepare the soup in a slow cooker—just combine all ingredients and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours for a simple, hands-off dinner option.
