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- 4 colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced - 1 lb ground turkey or beef - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth The main ingredients create a vibrant and hearty soup. The bell peppers are colorful and sweet. Ground turkey or beef brings rich flavor and protein. Diced tomatoes add texture and tang. Broth provides a warm base for the soup. - 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) Adding rice makes the soup more filling and hearty. Cheese on top adds creaminess and flavor. You can use white or brown rice based on your taste. - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish Seasonings like Italian seasoning and smoked paprika boost the soup’s taste. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a pop of color and freshness. These garnishes make each bowl look lovely and inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Start by dicing your colorful bell peppers. Use red, yellow, and green for a vibrant look. - Chop one medium onion and mince three cloves of garlic. - In a large pot, add a drizzle of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. - Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion looks clear, about three to four minutes. - Increase the heat to medium-high. - Add one pound of ground turkey or beef. Cook until it browns and breaks apart easily. - Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for five more minutes. They should start to soften. - Add one can of diced tomatoes, four cups of chicken or vegetable broth, and one cup of cooked rice. - Mix in one tablespoon of Italian seasoning and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. - Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well. - Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and the peppers soften. - Taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning if needed for more flavor. - Serve the soup hot. Top each bowl with shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella. - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for added color and taste. How to cut bell peppers for optimal flavor Cut bell peppers by first slicing off the top and bottom. Remove the seeds and inner ribs. Then, slice the peppers into strips and dice them into small pieces. This method helps release their sweet flavor into the soup. Best practices for browning ground meat Use a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil before the meat goes in. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly and adds a nice depth of flavor. Adding extra spices or vegetables Feel free to add more spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick. You can also throw in veggies like corn or zucchini to boost nutrition and taste. Suggested cheese types for topping I recommend using shredded cheddar or mozzarella. Both melt well and add richness to your soup. You can also try pepper jack for a spicy twist! Preparing ingredients in advance Chop your veggies and meat the night before. Store them in the fridge. This cuts down on prep time during cooking and makes the process smoother. Using a slow cooker for easy meal prep You can easily make this soup in a slow cooker. Just add all your ingredients in the morning. Set it on low and let it simmer all day. You'll come home to a warm, hearty meal! Pro Tips Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant color to your soup, making it more visually appealing. Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bay leaf while simmering the soup. Make it Gluten-Free: To keep this soup gluten-free, ensure that your broth is labeled as such and opt for rice that is certified gluten-free. Customize Your Protein: This recipe is versatile; feel free to swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, sausage, or even a plant-based protein for a healthier or vegetarian option. {{image_2}} You can easily make this soup gluten-free. Just use gluten-free broth and rice. For a vegetarian option, swap the ground turkey for plant-based meat or beans. This keeps the taste great while meeting dietary needs. Feel free to use different meats. Ground chicken or sausage works well. If you want more protein, try lentils or chickpeas. For vegetables, you can add corn, zucchini, or carrots. These swaps boost nutrition and flavor. To bring Mediterranean flavors, add olives, feta cheese, and oregano. This gives the soup a fresh twist. For a Mexican flair, use black beans and add cumin and chili powder. Top with avocado and cilantro for a fun change. To keep your stuffed pepper soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method helps lock in flavor. Place it in the fridge. Your soup will last about three to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. For freezing, let the soup cool completely first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight for best results. Reheat your soup on the stove for best flavor and texture. Pour it into a pot over low heat, stirring often. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the soup from getting too hot too fast. Always taste before serving to ensure the flavors are just right. Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can use various meats. Ground beef, chicken, or pork work well. Each adds a different taste. Just cook it until browned. You can also mix meats for added flavor. How can I make this soup vegan? To make it vegan, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can skip the cheese or use a plant-based option. This will keep it hearty and tasty. What if I don’t have cooked rice? If you lack cooked rice, try using quinoa or couscous. You can also cook rice during the soup prep. Just add it uncooked and increase the broth. This will create a creamy texture. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, fresh tomatoes are great. Use about four medium tomatoes. Dice them and add with the broth. They will add a bright, fresh flavor to your soup. What to serve with stuffed pepper soup? This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad enhances the meal. You can serve it with garlic bread for extra comfort. How to elevate the meal with sides or salads? To elevate the meal, add a side of roasted veggies. A colorful vegetable medley adds nutrition and flair. You can also serve it with a creamy coleslaw for crunch. This blog post covered how to make stuffed pepper soup. You learned about key ingredients, like colorful bell peppers, ground turkey, and tomatoes. We walked through the cooking steps, from preparing your ingredients to the final touches. I also shared tips for saving time and customizing the dish. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting, this soup offers great taste and flexibility. Enjoy trying different flavors and wow your family or friends. Simple ingredients can lead to delicious meals. Get cooking and have fun with it!

Hearty Stuffed Pepper Soup

A delicious and comforting soup filled with colorful bell peppers, ground turkey, and spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 whole colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, green), diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground turkey (or beef)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • for garnish fresh parsley or cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey, cooking until browned and cooked through. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  • Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken or vegetable broth, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Mix well.
  • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and peppers to soften.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve the soup hot, topped with shredded cheese and garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey with beef or use different types of cheese.
Keyword comfort food, soup, stuffed peppers