Short Description
Easy Ground Beef Pepper Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together lean ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and savory tomato broth. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience with minimal preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

Nutritious: Packed with protein from lean ground beef and vitamins from fresh vegetables.

One-Pot Meal: Simplifies cooking and cleanup.

Versatile: Easily adaptable to various dietary preferences and available ingredients.

Comforting Flavors: Combines the classic taste of stuffed peppers in a warm, soothing soup.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 green bell pepper, chopped (stem and seeds removed)

½ yellow onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

2 cups beef broth

1 teaspoon tomato paste

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped green bell pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.

Incorporate Liquids and Seasoning: Add tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.

Add Cooked Rice: Stir in the cooked rice and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Servings and Timing
Servings: Approximately 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations
Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for different dietary needs.

Vegetable Additions: Incorporate additional vegetables such as diced tomatoes, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to increase the heat.

Grain Options: Replace rice with quinoa or barley for a different texture and nutritional profile.

Cheesy Twist: Top with shredded cheese before serving for a creamy finish.

Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without the rice and add freshly cooked rice when reheating.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs
Can I use uncooked rice in this recipe?
It’s recommended to use cooked rice to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy. If using uncooked rice, adjust the liquid quantities and cooking time accordingly.

Is it necessary to drain the ground beef after cooking?
If using lean ground beef (90/10), draining may not be necessary. For higher fat content beef, draining excess fat is advisable to prevent a greasy soup.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the ground beef and sauté the aromatics before transferring all ingredients (except the cooked rice) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add cooked rice during the last 30 minutes.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Omit the ground beef and use plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables like mushrooms and lentils. Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.

What can I serve with this soup?
Serve with crusty bread, a side salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.

Can I use different types of bell peppers?
Absolutely. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers can be used to add sweetness and color variation.

How do I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to achieve the desired consistency.

Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free, including the broth and any seasonings.

Can I add beans to this soup?
Yes, adding beans like kidney or black beans can increase the protein and fiber content, making the soup more filling.

How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion
Easy Ground Beef Pepper Soup is a delightful and nourishing meal that brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful dish. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit different dietary preferences and tastes. Whether enjoyed fresh or as leftovers, this soup is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Easy Ground Beef Pepper Soup

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Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-servings
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy Ground Beef Pepper Soup is a comforting, one-pot meal that brings the savory flavors of stuffed peppers into a hearty and satisfying soup. A quick and delicious ground beef soup perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Stir in ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well.
Add Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Stir in the cooked rice and let heat through for 2–3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.