Pepper Soup Recipe
This Pepper Soup Recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion! It combines the classic flavors of Italian stuffed peppers into a comforting, hearty soup. Packed with juicy sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a zesty broth, this recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. It’s a great choice for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, offering versatility that lets you adapt it based on what you have in your pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This soup comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a rich and comforting flavor profile.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand—ground turkey or leftover rice work beautifully!
- One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup with this one-pot recipe that minimizes hassle while maximizing taste.
- Family-Friendly: Delight even the pickiest eaters with this crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to all ages.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this delicious Pepper Soup Recipe, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for evenly cooking the ingredients and allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cutting board & knife: Crucial for efficiently chopping your vegetables and prepping your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient quantities, leading to consistent results every time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hot Italian sausage (may sub lean ground beef/turkey – see notes)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped (or half large)
- 1 red bell pepper, 1/2-inch chop
- 1 green bell pepper, 1/2-inch chop
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes, no salt/seasonings added
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice (see notes for options)
- 1 TBS EACH fresh chopped basil, oregano, parsley (or 1 tsp EACH dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly shredded mozzarella for serving
How to Make Pepper Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Vegetables
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Brown the sausage along with chopped onions for about 4 minutes, breaking up the sausage as it cooks.
Add the diced bell peppers, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes until the meat is cooked through and onions are tender. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together.
Add all remaining soup ingredients except for cheeses into the pot.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Cover the soup and bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat to LOW. Continue to simmer covered while stirring occasionally for about 8–12 minutes, or until rice is cooked.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese
Stir in Parmesan cheese at this stage.
Season with salt and pepper to taste; add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
Step 5: Serve Hot!
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Top each serving with freshly shredded mozzarella before digging in!
Enjoy this delightful Pepper Soup Recipe with friends and family!
How to Serve Pepper Soup Recipe
Serving the Pepper Soup Recipe can elevate your dining experience, making it not just a meal but a delightful occasion. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this hearty soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a deliciously comforting pairing.
- Sourdough: The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the rich broth beautifully.
As a Meal Prep Option
- Individual Containers: Portion out the soup into containers for easy meal prep throughout the week.
- Freezing: Freeze portions for quick meals on busy days. Just reheat and enjoy!
Topped with Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley right before serving for an aromatic touch.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for added flavor.
Accompanied by a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing the warm soup.
- Greek Salad: The tanginess of a Greek salad pairs well with the savory flavors of the soup.
How to Perfect Pepper Soup Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Pepper Soup Recipe, consider these helpful tips that ensure flavor and texture come together perfectly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the overall taste and aroma of your soup.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Start small and add more if desired.
- Stir Occasionally: Stirring helps prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot, ensuring even cooking of rice and ingredients.
- Simmer Gently: Cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld together beautifully without overcooking vegetables or rice.
- Add Extra Broth if Needed: If you prefer a thinner consistency, don’t hesitate to add more broth as it cooks.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing your soup to sit for a few minutes enhances its flavor as everything settles together.
Best Side Dishes for Pepper Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Pepper Soup Recipe can create a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Easy to make and perfect for dipping into the soup’s flavorful broth.
- Caesar Salad: A classic choice that adds crispness and complements the hearty flavors.
- Cornbread: Slightly sweet cornbread is a delightful contrast to spicy pepper soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add extra nutrition and flavor variety.
- Bruschetta: Topped with diced tomatoes and basil, this appetizer brings freshness to your meal.
- Rice Pilaf: A light rice dish can serve as an additional carb option while being mild enough not to overpower the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Pepper Soup Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to keep in mind.
- Skipping the sautéing step – Not browning the sausage and onions can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take time to sauté for the best taste.
- Ignoring rice cooking time – Different types of rice have varying cooking times. Check your rice periodically to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
- Not seasoning properly – Under-seasoning can leave your soup bland. Taste throughout the cooking process and adjust salt and spices as needed.
- Overcooking vegetables – If you cook bell peppers too long, they may become mushy. Add them at the right time to maintain their texture.
- Using low-quality broth – The broth greatly influences flavor. Opt for low sodium beef broth or homemade for a richer taste.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Pepper Soup in an airtight container.
- It will remain fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Pepper Soup Recipe
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags to store it.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pepper Soup Recipe
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave – Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop – Pour soup into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pepper Soup Recipe?
A Pepper Soup Recipe typically includes bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices blended together in a savory broth, often featuring meat or rice.
Can I customize my Pepper Soup Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables you like or substitute proteins such as ground turkey or beef for Italian sausage.
How can I make this Pepper Soup Recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, omit the meat and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. Add more veggies and beans for protein.
What sides pair well with Pepper Soup?
Serve your Pepper Soup with garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal that enhances its flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it based on what you have available in your kitchen. Whether you’re using leftover ingredients or different proteins, this comforting dish is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy its warm, hearty flavors!
Pepper Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Embrace the comforting flavors of our Pepper Soup Recipe! This hearty dish combines the essence of Italian stuffed peppers with a savory broth, making it perfect for any occasion. With juicy sausage, fresh bell peppers, and perfectly cooked rice, this one-pot meal is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. In just 35 minutes, you can create a delightful soup that will warm your family’s hearts and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this versatile recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 lb hot Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 6 cups low sodium beef broth
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the sausage and onions for about 4 minutes.
- Add the diced bell peppers, garlic, and red pepper flakes; sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in all remaining ingredients except cheeses and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for about 8–12 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve hot topped with freshly shredded mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
