Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground sausage
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
28 ounces fire roasted tomatoes, undrained
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 cups cooked long grain rice or 1 ½ cups uncooked quick rice
4 clove garlic, minced
15 ounces tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp thyme
1 tsp basil
Mozzarella Cheese, shredded for garnish
Instructions
Brown the ground meat in a large pot over medium heat
Add in the onions and garlic
Season with the choice of seasonings
Add in the chopped bell peppers
Carefully pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce and the fire roasted tomatoes
Stir to blend together
Simmer for 30 minutes
Add in the cooked rice OR the quick rice when the soup is done. Allow to simmer 5 more minutes
Top with mozzarella cheese
Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 648 | TOTAL FAT: 37g | SATURATED FAT: 13g | TRANS FAT: 1g | UNSATURATED FAT: 18g | CHOLESTEROL: 117mg | SODIUM: 1589mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 42g | FIBER: 5g | SUGAR: 9g | PROTEIN: 37g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of ground meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can customize the meat by using a combination of ground beef and sausage or substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative.
Can I adjust the amount of bell peppers used?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the quantity and types of bell peppers based on your preferences. You can use more or fewer peppers and mix different colors for added variety.
Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of fire roasted tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes for fire roasted tomatoes if you prefer. However, the fire roasted tomatoes add a smoky flavor to the soup.
Can I use different types of rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use either cooked long grain rice or uncooked quick rice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if you choose to use uncooked quick rice.
Is the mozzarella cheese necessary for garnish?
The mozzarella cheese is optional and can be omitted if desired. However, it adds a delicious cheesy element to the soup when melted on top. Feel free to customize the garnish to your liking.
Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, you can make the soup in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Keep in mind that the rice may absorb some liquid, so you might need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Can I freeze the Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I substitute the ground beef and sausage with other meats or vegetarian alternatives?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the ground beef and sausage with other meats such as turkey, chicken, or lamb.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables like mushrooms or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Can I adjust the seasonings to suit my taste preferences?
Yes, you can adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Feel free to add more or less of the oregano, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
You can also incorporate additional herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.
What are some optional garnishes I can use besides mozzarella cheese?
While mozzarella cheese is a popular garnish, you can explore other options as well. Consider using shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. Get creative and garnish it with your favorite toppings.