Green pepper soup is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the vibrant flavor of green bell peppers with savory ground beef, tomatoes, and rice. It’s a perfect meal for any season — warming on a chilly day and satisfying any time you crave something flavorful and nourishing. If you’ve ever wondered how to make green pepper soup, this article will walk you through a simple yet delicious recipe, plus tips to make your soup the best it can be.
What Is Green Pepper Soup?
Green pepper soup is inspired by the classic stuffed pepper dish but in a soup form. Instead of stuffing peppers with meat and rice, you combine all the ingredients in a pot and simmer them until tender. The result is a rich, tomato-based broth filled with chunks of green peppers, seasoned ground beef, and fluffy rice. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the key ingredients for making green pepper soup:
– Olive oil
– Ground beef (90% lean recommended)
– Onion, chopped
– Garlic, minced
– Green bell peppers, cored and diced
– Tomato paste
– Tomato sauce
– Tomato juice or beef broth (or a combination)
– Italian seasoning
– Worcestershire sauce (optional, but adds depth)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Rice (quick-cooking or cooked rice)
– Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a balanced soup with savory, slightly sweet, and fresh peppery notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
2. Add Peppers and Seasonings
Stir in the diced green peppers along with Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the peppers start to soften.
3. Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in tomato sauce, tomato juice, and beef broth. Stir well and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and flavors meld.
4. Add Rice and Finish Cooking
Add the rice to the pot. If using uncooked quick-cooking rice, simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender. If you prefer, you can add pre-cooked rice at this stage to avoid overcooking.
5. Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Green Pepper Soup
– Use lean ground beef to avoid greasy soup. If you use higher-fat beef, drain the fat before adding other ingredients.
– Cook the rice separately if you plan to store leftovers or freeze the soup. Adding rice during reheating keeps it from becoming mushy.
– Mix green peppers with red or yellow peppers if you want a sweeter, more colorful soup.
– Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth but can be skipped if you don’t have it on hand.
– For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
– Simmer gently and don’t rush; slow cooking helps the flavors blend beautifully and softens the peppers perfectly.
Variations to Try
– Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
– Add a pinch of brown sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance acidity.
– Stir in some chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added freshness.
– Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream when serving.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Green pepper soup is not only easy to make but also versatile and satisfying. It combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers in a comforting, slurpable form. It’s a great way to enjoy vegetables and protein in one bowl, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to your taste preferences.
Making green pepper soup is a straightforward process that yields a delicious, wholesome meal perfect for any day of the week. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy, flavorful goodness in every spoonful.
Green pepper soup is a simple, hearty dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table with every bite.