Mama’s Stuffed Pepper Soup

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Mama’s Stuffed Pepper Soup, a comforting dish that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness. This soul-satisfying recipe combines tender ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a medley of savory seasonings, simmered together in a rich broth until every spoonful bursts with flavor.

With a touch of sweetness from brown sugar and the robustness of garlic, this soup is a true homage to Mama’s kitchen. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or shared with loved ones around the table, Mama’s Stuffed Pepper Soup promises to warm both body and soul. Dive into a bowlful of nostalgia and culinary delight with each spoonful of this beloved family recipe.

Mama’s Stuffed Pepper Soup

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef

2 green bell peppers diced (about 1 cup)

30 oz diced tomatoes 2 cans; undrained

15 oz tomato sauce

32 oz beef broth

1 cup water

1 small onion diced

2 tablespoon brown sugar

3-4 cloves garlic minced

2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

2 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

Brown and drain ground beef, then place in large pot.

Add all of the other ingredients to the pot except for rice.

Put on low heat, cover , and cook for 5 hrs or until peppers/onion are tender.

Cook rice separately ( 2 c. rice in 3c. of boiling water) set aside and add to soup only at the last half hour before done.

* I also add dry Italian seasoning to the soup and I used green and orange peppers and lots more garlic. You can add/adjust to your taste. *Also, cans of tomatoes usually come in 28oz and the tomato sauce also is more than 15oz, this is all ok, i prefer more liquid as the rice absorbs a lot.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Choose Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the soup. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Variety of Bell Peppers: Experiment with different colored bell peppers like green, orange, red, or yellow for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Garlic Enhancement: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to increase the amount of garlic cloves for a more pronounced garlic flavor.

Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings to your preference. Italian seasoning, oregano, or basil can add depth to the flavor profile.

Precook Rice Separately: Cooking the rice separately helps control its texture and prevents it from becoming mushy in the soup. Add it only during the last half-hour to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.

Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking the soup on low heat for an extended period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. However, if you’re short on time, you can increase the heat slightly and reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Make it in Advance: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve for a quick and satisfying meal.

Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serve with Toppings: Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese adds creaminess and richness to the soup.

Pair with Bread: Serve Mama’s Stuffed Pepper Soup with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a lighter option.

Can I use different colored bell peppers?

Absolutely! Experiment with green, orange, red, or yellow bell peppers for varied flavors and visual appeal.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy in the soup?

Cook the rice separately and add it to the soup only during the last half-hour of cooking to maintain its texture.

Can I freeze leftovers of this soup?

Yes, Mama’s Stuffed Pepper Soup freezes well.

Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before adding it to the pot?

Browning the ground beef adds flavor to the soup.

However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.

Can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste preferences?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings according to your taste.

How long does it take for the peppers and onions to become tender?

Cooking on low heat for about 5 hours should ensure that the peppers and onions are tender.

However, you can check for tenderness and adjust the cooking time if needed.

What can I serve with this soup?

Mama’s Stuffed Pepper Soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this soup in a slow cooker.

Brown the ground beef first, then add all the ingredients (except rice) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Add cooked rice during the last hour of cooking.