Stuffed pepper soup is the ultimate cozy, homestyle dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. With its rich flavors and hearty texture, it reminds many of the comforting meals enjoyed growing up. This soup combines the delicious elements of stuffed peppers into a simple and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a chilly evening or any time you're craving a fulfilling, homey meal. It’s like the lazy version of stuffed peppers, and honestly, who doesn’t love a cozy meal like this one?

 

 

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Soup

The combination of ingredients in this soup offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and hearty flavors. The green and red peppers, paired with the tomatoes, provide a mellow sweetness, while the Italian sausage and lean ground beef give the soup that meaty, savory depth that mimics traditional stuffed peppers. What truly makes this soup a standout is the rice, which gives it a satisfying texture that fills you up without feeling too heavy. It’s a soup that warms both your body and soul.

It’s also versatile, so if you’re short on time, you can easily throw it together for a quick dinner, or let it simmer on low for a few hours for an even richer taste. It’s one of those recipes that’s just as good the next day when the flavors have melded together, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

 

Ingredients for Stuffed Pepper Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful, satisfying dish:

• 1/2 lb Italian sausage

• 1/2 lb lean ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 green pepper, finely chopped

• 1 red pepper, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped

• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 can (14.5 oz) salsa tomatoes

• 3/4 cup raw rice (I use jasmine rice for its fragrant flavor)

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

 

Instructions for Making Stuffed Pepper Soup

1. Brown the Meat: Start by browning the Italian sausage and ground beef in a pot or casserole over medium heat. As the meat cooks, break it up into small pieces so it cooks evenly. This will help ensure that every spoonful of soup has that savory meaty goodness.

2. Add the Vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the finely chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot. Stir them in and let them soften, about 5 minutes. The peppers will start to release their sweet aroma as they cook.

3. Add Garlic: During the last minute of browning the meat, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the chopped garlic. Stir constantly so it doesn’t burn. Garlic adds such a rich flavor and will deepen the savory profile of the soup.

4. Simmer the Broth: Once the garlic is fragrant, add the beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth, and salsa tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the peppers to soften and the flavors to begin blending.

5. Add Rice: Now it’s time to add the rice. Stir it into the soup and let it cook covered for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is tender and cooked through.

6. Season: Taste the soup and add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These simple seasonings are essential to bring out all the natural flavors in the soup.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! You’ll love the hearty, rich flavor and the comforting warmth it brings.

 

Caloric Information

This stuffed pepper soup is filling without being overly heavy. A serving typically contains around 350-400 calories, making it a hearty yet balanced meal. The richness from the sausage and beef is balanced by the freshness of the vegetables and the comforting rice, which provides good texture. If you’re watching your calories, this recipe is flexible—you can substitute the sausage with ground turkey or use less cheese for a lighter version.

 

When to Serve This Soup

This soup is perfect for:

• Lunch or Dinner: It's a great meal on a cold day when you need something filling to keep you going.

• Family Gatherings: Since it makes a big batch, it's perfect for serving a crowd or a large family.

• Meal Prep: This soup stores wonderfully in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it over several days.

 

Benefits and Considerations Who Can Benefit from This Soup:

• People Looking for Comforting Meals: The hearty nature of this soup makes it ideal for those who enjoy a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners.

• Those Needing Energy-Boosting Meals: The protein from the sausage and beef, along with the carbohydrates from the rice, make this soup a great option for those who need sustained energy.

• Athletes or Active Individuals: The balanced protein and carbs will fuel your day and help replenish your energy.

 

Who Should Be Cautious:

• Those Watching Sodium Intake: This recipe calls for beef broth, which can be high in sodium. If you need to watch your sodium, make sure to opt for low-sodium or homemade broth, and adjust the salt to your preference.

• People Avoiding Red Meat: If you’re trying to cut down on red meat, consider substituting the beef and sausage with leaner proteins, such as turkey or chicken, or use vegetarian alternatives.

• Those Following a Low-Carb Diet: If you're on a low-carb diet or keto, the rice in the soup may be something you want to skip or substitute with a cauliflower rice option.

 

How to Save Energy

To save on energy while cooking, consider the following tips:

• Use a Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot: Using a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot can help speed up the cooking time and save energy. You can cook the soup in a fraction of the time.

• Cook in Bulk: Make a large batch and freeze portions for later, reducing the need for daily cooking and reheating, which helps save energy over time.

• Use a Lid: Always cook with a lid to keep the heat in, helping your food cook faster and reducing energy use.

 

Final Thoughts

Stuffed pepper soup is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. With its deep, savory flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s a perfect way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a modern twist. Whether you're feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy dinner for yourself, this recipe is sure to please.

Make sure to share your stuffed pepper soup experience and enjoy this delicious recipe today!