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- Ground turkey or beef - Bell peppers - Quinoa or rice - Diced tomatoes - Black beans - Cheese for topping - Fresh herbs for garnish - Italian seasoning - Smoked paprika - Salt and pepper The heart of any great soup is its ingredients. For this stuffed bell pepper soup, I choose ground turkey or beef. Both add rich flavor and protein. You can use either based on your taste. Next, I use diced bell peppers. They bring color and sweetness to the dish. I also add quinoa or rice for texture and heartiness. Quinoa is a great choice for a healthier option. Diced tomatoes add moisture and tang. They give the soup a lovely base. Optional ingredients can elevate your soup. Black beans add more protein and flavor. If you love cheese, sprinkle some on top. Cheddar or mozzarella melts beautifully. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a light touch. They make the soup look nice and fresh. Seasoning is key for flavor. I use Italian seasoning for warmth and depth. Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor. Salt and pepper enhance all the other tastes. They pull everything together. With these ingredients, you create a flavorful and hearty meal. It’s perfect for any night! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot and drizzle some olive oil in it. Heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want it to look soft and clear. Then, add the minced garlic and cook it for one more minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! Next, raise the heat to medium-high. Toss in the ground turkey or beef. Cook it until it turns brown, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s extra fat, drain it out to keep your soup light and tasty. Now it's time to make it colorful! Stir in the diced bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. The smell will be fantastic! After this, add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth too. Next, add in your uncooked quinoa or rice. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and smoked paprika. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper as well! Bring everything to a boil and get ready for the next step. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This is when the quinoa or rice cooks fully and soaks up all those great flavors. If you like, add black beans in the last 5 minutes to warm them through. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The soup is now ready to be served hot! Top each bowl with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro. Enjoy this warm and hearty meal! Browning meat properly is key. Start by heating olive oil in your pot. Add onions, then garlic. Once your onions are clear, raise the heat. Add the ground turkey or beef, breaking it apart. Let it brown well for great flavor. Ensuring veggies are tender is vital too. After browning the meat, toss in diced bell peppers. Sauté these for five minutes. This softens them and brings out their natural sweetness. Adjusting seasoning can make a big difference. After cooking, taste the soup. If it needs more flavor, add salt and pepper to your liking. You can also try a splash of hot sauce for a kick. Adding herbs is another way to elevate the dish. Fresh parsley or cilantro works wonders. Just sprinkle some on top before serving for a fresh taste. Best garnishes for serving include shredded cheese. Cheddar or mozzarella melts nicely and adds richness. Just sprinkle a generous amount on top before serving. Cheese melting tips are simple. After you ladle the soup into bowls, add cheese. Place the bowls under a broiler for a minute. This melts the cheese perfectly and gives a lovely golden color. Enjoy your delicious, hearty meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or cilantro as a garnish elevates the flavor of the soup and adds a burst of freshness. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or beef with ground chicken or even a plant-based alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option. Make It Spicy: For a kick of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the soup. Leftovers Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. {{image_2}} You can easily adapt this soup to fit different diets. - Vegetarian or vegan options: Use lentils or chickpeas instead of meat. Swap out the broth for vegetable broth to keep it plant-based. You can still enjoy the same flavors with these swaps. - Gluten-free substitutes: If you need a gluten-free meal, use quinoa or rice, as they fit well. Always check that your broth is gluten-free. Want to spice things up? - Spicy version with jalapeños: Add diced jalapeños when you sauté the onions. This will give your soup a nice kick. - Different protein options: You can use ground chicken or pork instead of turkey or beef. Each protein adds its own unique taste to the soup. Feel free to switch up some ingredients based on what you have. - Alternative grains: Try using farro or barley instead of quinoa or rice. Both will give your soup a hearty feel. - Other produce choices: If you want more veggies, toss in corn or zucchini. They add color and flavor to your soup. To keep your stuffed bell pepper soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the soup cool down before sealing. This helps keep moisture out. Proper storage lets the flavors meld, making it taste even better. The soup stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. Freezing the soup is a great way to save it for later. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container. This allows the soup to expand as it freezes. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When it's time to enjoy the soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This way, it thaws evenly. To reheat your soup, use a pot on the stove for the best results. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This keeps the soup from sticking. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps maintain the flavor and texture. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of broth or water while reheating. How can I make this soup ahead of time? You can make this soup a day before. Just follow the recipe and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will blend better overnight. When you're ready to eat, heat it on the stove until warm. Can I use leftover stuffed peppers in this recipe? Yes, you can! Chop the leftover stuffed peppers into small pieces. Add them when you mix in the diced tomatoes and broth. This adds great flavor and reduces food waste. What can I use instead of quinoa? If you don’t have quinoa, use rice or couscous instead. Both will work well in this soup. You can also try barley for a different texture. Is it okay to omit the meat for a vegetarian version? Absolutely! Just skip the meat and add more veggies. You can use mushrooms or zucchini to keep it hearty. Black beans can also add protein and flavor. What sides pair well with stuffed bell pepper soup? Serve this soup with a simple green salad. A slice of crusty bread also works great. You can even add some cornbread for a comforting touch. How to store leftovers effectively? Cool the soup to room temperature first. Then, place it in a sealed container. It stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. In this post, I covered how to make stuffed bell pepper soup. We explored essential ingredients like ground turkey, quinoa, and diced tomatoes. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the soup. You learned helpful tips for enhancing flavor and improving presentation. Plus, we discussed variations for dietary needs and easy storage methods. Cooking can be fun and flexible. Don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy making this warm, comforting soup!

Hearty Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup

A comforting and nutritious soup filled with bell peppers, ground turkey or beef, and quinoa or rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with juices (15 oz)
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa or rice
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) for topping
  • to taste fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey or beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the diced bell peppers into the pot, sautéing for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, uncooked quinoa or rice, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the quinoa or rice is fully cooked and tender.
  • If you’re using black beans, add them to the soup in the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve hot, generously topped with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for added flavor.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite beans or vegetables.
Keyword healthy, soup, stuffed peppers