Why You’ll Love this Cozy Homestyle Stuffed Pepper Soup
Winter dinners call for something hearty, and this Stuffed Pepper Soup delivers comfort in every spoonful. I’m obsessed with how it transforms the classic stuffed pepper experience into a soul-warming bowl that’s ready in half the time.
The savory ground beef mingles with sweet peppers, onions, and tomatoes, creating that unmistakable stuffed pepper flavor without all the fussy prep.
And those little morsels of wild rice? They add the perfect texture contrast.
Can you imagine anything better on a chilly evening? This soup sits happily in your fridge for days, actually improving with time.
What Ingredients are in Cozy Homestyle Stuffed Pepper Soup?
To create this comforting soup, we’re combining all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers but in a convenient, spoonable form. The ingredients list might look a bit long at first glance, but don’t worry—most of these are pantry staples that come together to create layers of savory, satisfying flavor. And the best part? No tedious pepper-stuffing required.
- 1 (8 7/8 ounce) envelope ready-to-serve long grain and wild rice blend
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups frozen chopped green peppers, thawed
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 (26 ounce) jar chunky tomato pasta sauce
- 1 (14 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
While the recipe calls for frozen green peppers, I sometimes use fresh bell peppers when they’re in season and looking particularly vibrant at the market. You can also customize the heat level by swapping in some poblano or even jalapeño peppers for a portion of the green peppers. And if you’re looking to make this soup a bit heartier, adding a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans works wonderfully, giving you extra protein and fiber without compromising that classic stuffed pepper flavor profile.
How to Make this Cozy Homestyle Stuffed Pepper Soup
Making this soul-warming stuffed pepper soup couldn’t be simpler, yet the flavor payoff is tremendous. Start by preparing 1 package (8⅞ ounce) of long grain and wild rice blend according to the package directions. This forms the hearty base of our soup, and getting it started first guarantees everything will be ready at the perfect time.
While the rice is cooking, grab a large saucepan and add 1 pound of ground beef along with 2 cups of thawed frozen chopped green peppers and 1 cup of chopped onion. Cook this mixture over medium heat, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon as it browns. Keep stirring until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables have softened slightly. This step builds the foundational flavors of our soup, so don’t rush it.
Once cooked through, remember to drain off any excess fat—this prevents your soup from becoming greasy and helps keep those flavors clean and distinct.
Now comes the truly magical part where everything comes together. To your beef and vegetable mixture, add the 26-ounce jar of chunky tomato pasta sauce, 14-ounce can of undrained Italian-style diced tomatoes, and 14-ounce can of beef broth. Using a high-end Dutch oven would help distribute heat evenly and maintain the perfect simmer throughout the cooking process. For best results, consider investing in a cast iron pot that retains heat beautifully for slow-simmered soups like this one. Stir in your prepared rice, then bring the whole glorious concoction to a gentle simmer.
The beauty of this soup is that once everything’s combined, you simply need to heat it through. Give it about 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally. What I love most about this recipe is how the rice absorbs all those savory flavors while still maintaining its distinct texture.
Serve it up in big bowls with a sprinkle of cheese on top if you’re feeling fancy, and get ready for the cozy comfort to ensue.
Cozy Homestyle Stuffed Pepper Soup Substitutions and Variations
While our classic stuffed pepper soup recipe is absolutely delicious as written, I’ve found there’s plenty of room for creative substitutions and personal twists that can make this cozy dish your own.
Try swapping ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef. Not a fan of green peppers? Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers add sweeter flavor profiles.
Vegetarians can substitute plant-based crumbles or add extra beans for protein.
Rice alternatives? Quinoa, barley, or even orzo pasta work beautifully. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
Dairy lovers might enjoy a sprinkle of cheese on top!
What to Serve with Cozy Homestyle Stuffed Pepper Soup
Looking for the perfect sides to complement your hearty stuffed pepper soup?
I’m all about creating that ideal balance of flavors and textures. A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette brings freshness, while crusty garlic bread is simply non-negotiable for sopping up that rich tomato broth.
For something heartier, consider a grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough—the tangy bread with melty cheese against the savory soup is divine.
Cornbread muffins work wonderfully too, their slight sweetness playing against the soup’s acidity.
Final Thoughts
After tasting this stuffed pepper soup, I truly believe it’s one of those comfort dishes that deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
It’s the perfect balance of hearty and healthy, combining all the flavors of traditional stuffed peppers without the fuss of actually stuffing them.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility.
Don’t have ground beef? Turkey works beautifully.
Prefer brown rice to wild? Go for it.
The soul of the dish remains intact regardless of these small tweaks.
Isn’t it wonderful when something so simple can bring such comfort to your table?
