Protein-Packed Stuffed Pepper Soup: Savory, Hearty, Family‑Tested

If you’re craving a protein-rich, comforting soup that tastes like a classic stuffed pepper , this “Protein-Packed Stuffed Pepper Soup” brings all the flavor, sends comforting vibes, and delivers satisfying nourishment. Imagine rich tomato broth, sweet bell peppers, and lean beef all simmered into a warm bowl your family will request again and again , tested and loved at our dinner table.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

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What You’ll Need for This Flavorful Soup

• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1¼ lb lean ground beef (90 %)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1–2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack (optional)

Rice (Cooked Separately)

• 1½ cups chicken broth
• ¾ cup long-grain white rice (uncooked) or 2¼ cups cooked rice

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Step-by-Step (Betty’s Kitchen Storytelling)

1. Brown the beef (and add onions)
   Heat olive oil over medium-high. Season beef with salt and pepper, then cook for 3 minutes until partly browned. Add onion and cook 5 minutes more. Drain excess grease. (The first time I made this, I left the grease and ended up with a greasy soup , lesson learned!)
2. Build your base
   Turn heat to medium. Add garlic, toss until fragrant. Add both bell peppers and cook 3 minutes until just tender.
3. Season & simmer
   Stir in all seasonings, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and brown sugar. Pour in both broths. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and partially cover. Let it simmer 30 minutes, stirring now and then , perfect time for a kitchen chore or short chat with a loved one.
4. Cook the rice separately
   In a small saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, then return to boil, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest (covered) for 10 minutes. Fluff with fork after , this step keeps leftovers from becoming mushy.
5. Serve with melting cheese
   Turn heat off soup. Stir in cheese if you’re going cheesy. Spoon rice into bowls, then ladle hot soup on top. Tip: If you’re sharing or storing leftovers, keep rice and soup separate. They freeze beautifully that way.

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Betty’s Tried‑and‑True Tips

• Boost umami, secretly: Mustard powder, Worcestershire, and hot sauce blend into background savoriness , your family will wonder what’s different (and better!).
• Lean or swap out: I often use ground turkey for a lighter twist.
• Leftover rice shortcut: Using 2¼ cups cooked rice (instead of uncooked) works like a charm.

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Nutrition Highlights (Estimated per serving, aid mindful families)

• Calories: ~371 kcal
• Protein: ~31 g (yup, it qualifies as high-protein)
• Carbs: ~31 g
• Fat: ~14 g
  Bonus per serving: ~219 mg calcium if you add cheese, plus a hearty dose of vitamins A and C from the peppers.

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Flavor Boosts & Serving Ideas

• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top for brightness
• Serve alongside crusty whole-grain bread or garlic toast
• For a Tex-Mex twist, top with avocado slices, lime wedges, or tortilla chips

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Storage & Make‑Ahead Magic

• Refrigerate soup and rice separately in airtight containers , fridge lasts about 3 days, freezer up to 3 months.
• To reheat, thaw soup overnight in fridge, then gently simmer; reheat rice in microwave with a splash of broth to fluff again.

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Kitchen Oops & Learnings

• Once, I threw rice right into the soup before storing , by morning, it had turned into a porridge! Lesson: keep ’em separate to preserve texture (and sanity).
• Another time I skipped the brown sugar , ended up with overly tangy tomato flavor. Balance is key!

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Betty’s Bread‑and‑Butter FAQ

How many servings does this make?
Typically six hearty bowls , perfect for family dinners or meal prep over the week!

Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice?
Absolutely , just adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Can kids handle red pepper flakes?
If your crew is sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the flakes, they’re optional and only add a tiny kick.

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Call-to-Action

I hope you pour this into a cozy bowl, share it with loved ones, and feel the comfort in every spoonful. Let me know how your family gives this recipe a thumbs-up , and don’t forget to pin it and tag me! You’ve got this, Home‑cook extraordinaire. Enjoy every savory bite!

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