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Cozy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe with Ground Beef and Fresh Tomatoes

cozy stuffed pepper soup - featured image

A comforting and texture-driven soup featuring tender bell peppers, juicy ground beef, and fresh tomatoes in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 3 medium bell peppers (about 1 ½ cups diced), mixed colors (red, yellow, green)
  • 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (or canned diced tomatoes)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Dice the bell peppers into roughly ½-inch pieces, chop the onion finely, mince garlic, and dice fresh tomatoes if using.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, break apart with a wooden spoon, and cook 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir frequently and cook about 3 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the tomato paste caramelize slightly.
  5. Add diced bell peppers and fresh tomatoes. Stir to combine and cook 4-5 minutes until peppers start to soften but still hold their shape.
  6. Pour in 4 cups beef broth, season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  7. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peppers are tender but not mushy and flavors meld.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. For thicker soup, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

Brown the ground beef in batches if your pot is small to avoid steaming and ensure caramelization. Do not overcook the peppers to keep their texture intact. A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can brighten the soup if it tastes flat. For a heartier meal, add cooked rice or quinoa near the end. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed pepper soup, ground beef soup, tomato soup, cozy soup, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, bell peppers, healthy soup