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If youโre craving a warm and comforting dish thatโs both easy to make and packed with flavor, this Stuffed Pepper Soup is your answer! This delightful recipe takes the essence of traditional stuffed peppers and transforms it into a hearty soup thatโs perfect for chilly days. With just one pot and minimal effort, you can create a satisfying meal using ground beef, rice, and vibrant vegetables without any need for fancy knife skills. Not only is it quick to whip up, but itโs also great for meal preppingโmake a big batch and freeze some for later! Plus, at only 3 WW points per serving, you can enjoy this wholesome soup guilt-free!
Ingredients
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For Stuffed Pepper Soup, you will need 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper, both chopped (150 g each), along with a 14.5 oz (411 g) can of diced tomatoes and 4 cups (960 ml) of water or beef broth. Begin by chopping 1 medium onion (150 g) and mincing 2 cloves of garlic (10 g), then heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil (5 ml) in a pot. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant, and season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt (6 g), ยฝ teaspoon of black pepper (1 g), and 2 bay leaves. Next, stir in ยฝ cup of cooked white rice (90 g) and ยฝ pound (225 g) of ground beef (97% fat-free), allowing everything to simmer until the flavors meld together, creating a hearty and flavorful soup.
Sautรฉ the Vegetables
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sautรฉ for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and sautรฉ for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the chopped red and green bell peppers and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peppers begin to soften.
Cook the Ground Beef
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Push the sautรฉed vegetables to the sides of the pot to create a well in the center. Add the ground beef to this well and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, mix the beef and vegetables together.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
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Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice) to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in 4 cups of water or beef broth, then add the salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Simmer the Soup
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Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Add Cooked Rice
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After simmering, stir in ยฝ cup of cooked white rice. Allow the soup to cook for an additional 5 minutes to ensure the rice is heated through.
Final Touches
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Remove the bay leaves from the soup and discard them. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley if desired. This delicious soup pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad.
Variations and Substitutions
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When making this soup, consider different meat options; while the traditional recipe uses ground beef, swapping it for ground turkey can significantly reduce the Weight Watchers points. For a new dimension of flavor, experiment with cheese toppings like shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a sprinkle of parmesan. Additionally, incorporate various herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, marjoram, basil, or bay leaves to tailor the soup to your taste, enhancing its overall flavor and enjoyment.
Tips and Tricks for Making Soup
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To enhance the flavors of your soup, be sure to sautรฉ the vegetables well until they are slightly caramelized. This process adds depth and richness to the overall taste. If you have leftovers, you can freeze the soup for up to four weeks; just let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. When youโre ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. For a quicker meal, consider using the Instant Pot; simply sautรฉ the vegetables using the sautรฉ function, add all the ingredients, and cook under pressure for a healthy, fast meal in under 20 minutes. Soup is a delicious and convenient meal thatโs perfect for any time of year, as itโs easy to make, freezes well, and offers endless variations to keep your taste buds interested.
