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Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Soup

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Pepper Soup - recipe card
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This hearty soup delivers all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed bell peppers in a rich, tomato-based broth, without the pork or bacon. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and sweet bell peppers simmer together with onions and garlic for a deeply satisfying, one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 medium bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), seeded and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure no pork-derived ingredients; use vegan if needed)
  • 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the diced onion and chopped bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the peppers have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.
  3. Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small crumbles. Cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains. If there is excess fat, drain it off, but leave about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
  4. Season the meat mixture with kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, paprika, and dried basil. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
  5. Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits—this adds depth of flavor.
  6. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Stir in the rinsed white rice. Make sure the rice is submerged in the liquid. Cover and continue simmering over low heat for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Once the rice is cooked, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
  9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and shredded cheddar cheese, if using. Serve hot.
  10. To make ahead: Prepare the soup as directed but undercook the rice slightly (about 15 minutes) to prevent over-softening upon reheating. Store in the refrigerator.
  11. Oven alternative: If you prefer, you can finish the soup in the oven. After step 6, transfer the covered pot to a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is tender. This method yields a slightly more even heat and is excellent for hands-off cooking.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the soup, until heated through (165°F / 74°C). Alternatively, microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Note: The rice will continue to absorb liquid as it sits; add extra broth when reheating to maintain a soup-like consistency. To avoid mushy rice if freezing, consider cooking the rice separately and adding it when serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed pepper soup, pioneer woman recipe, bell pepper soup, ground beef soup, tomato rice soup, one pot meal, comfort food, weeknight dinner, gluten free, hearty soup

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-stuffed-pepper-soup-recipe/