Pepper Soup Recipe

This Pepper Soup Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, transforming all the comforting flavors into a hearty, one-pot soup. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe combines the satisfying textures of rice and sausage with sweet bell peppers in a zesty tomato broth. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and the versatility it offers; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Pepper Soup Recipe
• Step 1: Brown the Sausage
• Step 2: Add Vegetables
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients
• Step 4: Simmer the Soup
• Step 5: Finish with Cheese
• Step 6: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Pepper Soup Recipe
• Pair with Fresh Bread
• Add a Salad
• Top with Cheese
• Serve in Unique Bowls
• How to Perfect Pepper Soup Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Pepper Soup Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pepper Soup Recipe
• Reheating Pepper Soup Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make this Pepper Soup Recipe vegetarian?
• How can I customize my Pepper Soup Recipe?
• What sides go well with Pepper Soup Recipe?
• How long does it take to prepare this Pepper Soup Recipe?
• Can I use brown rice in this Pepper Soup Recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort: Enjoy the rich blend of Italian seasonings and savory ingredients that warm you from the inside out.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever vegetables or leftover proteins you have on hand for a personalized touch.
• Family-Friendly: With its comforting flavors and fun textures, it’s sure to become a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this delicious Pepper Soup Recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and simmering large quantities of soup.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure consistent flavor in every batch.

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

Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and onions, cooking for about 4 minutes while breaking up the sausage into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the chopped bell peppers, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes until the meat is cooked through and onions are tender.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Drain excess grease from the pot. Stir in all remaining ingredients except cheeses:

• Crushed tomatoes
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes
• Uncooked rice
• Fresh herbs
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper
• Beef broth

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer covered for about 8–12 minutes or until rice is cooked through. Check occasionally to ensure rice doesn’t overcook.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth at this stage.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with freshly shredded mozzarella. Enjoy your delicious Pepper Soup!

How to Serve Pepper Soup Recipe

Serving your Pepper Soup Recipe can elevate the dining experience, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Here are some delightful ways to serve this delicious soup.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Crusty Baguette: A fresh baguette adds a crunchy texture that complements the soup’s flavors.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
• Mixed Greens: Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette can balance the hearty soup.

Top with Cheese

• Shredded Mozzarella: Melting mozzarella on top adds creaminess and enhances flavor.
• Parmesan Sprinkles: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brings a nutty richness to each bowl.

Serve in Unique Bowls

• Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for added flavor.
• Individual Crocks: Using individual crocks makes serving easy and keeps the soup warm longer.

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How to Perfect Pepper Soup Recipe

To ensure your Pepper Soup Recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality broth enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by varying red pepper flakes based on your taste preferences.
• Cook Rice Separately: If you prefer firmer rice, cook it separately and stir it in just before serving.
• Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer for an extra 10-15 minutes can deepen the flavors significantly.
• Experiment with Proteins: Try different proteins like turkey or beef to find your favorite combination.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Refrigerate any leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Pepper Soup Recipe

Enhancing your meal with complementary sides can make your Pepper Soup Recipe even more satisfying. Here are some side dishes that work wonderfully:

1. Garlic Knots: These soft, buttery knots are great for dipping into the soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a light, refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and color to your meal.
4. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of pepper soup.
5. Focaccia Bread: This herb-infused bread is perfect for sopping up every drop of soup.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms complement the Italian flavors in the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Pepper Soup Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some details. Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Using the wrong meat: Substituting Italian sausage with other meats can change the flavor significantly. Stick to sausage for the authentic taste or choose lean ground beef/turkey as alternatives.
• Overcooking the rice: If you let the rice cook too long, it may turn mushy. Keep an eye on it and check occasionally during simmering.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can lead to bland soup. Always sample your soup before serving and tweak the flavors.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs bring brightness and depth that dried herbs can’t replicate. Use fresh basil, parsley, and oregano when possible for a more vibrant flavor.
• Not allowing enough simmer time: Rushing through cooking can prevent flavors from developing fully. Let the soup simmer adequately to enhance its taste.
• Ignoring ingredient swaps: Your recipe should be flexible! Feel free to use whatever vegetables or leftover proteins you have on hand for a personalized touch.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Pepper Soup Recipe

• Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pepper Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot—about 2-3 minutes total depending on your microwave.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Pepper Soup Recipe that might help you get the most from this dish.

Can I make this Pepper Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the sausage with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How can I customize my Pepper Soup Recipe?

Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand, such as corn or zucchini. You can also adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

What sides go well with Pepper Soup Recipe?

Pair this comforting soup with homemade garlic bread or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.

How long does it take to prepare this Pepper Soup Recipe?

The total time is about 35 minutes, including preparation and cooking times.

Can I use brown rice in this Pepper Soup Recipe?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Pepper Soup Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Customize it with different ingredients based on what you have available, and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort that satisfies cravings anytime!