Quick Stuffed Ground Beef Soup

Craving a comforting and hearty soup that’s both quick and satisfying? Look no further than this delicious Quick Stuffed Ground Beef Soup! Inspired by the flavors of classic stuffed peppers, this soup offers all the savory goodness in a fraction of the time. Forget the lengthy preparation involved in stuffing individual peppers; this recipe delivers the same wonderful taste in a simple, one-pot meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this soup is packed with lean ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful tomato broth that will warm you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Ground Beef Soup

This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this Quick Stuffed Ground Beef Soup:

• Speed and Simplicity: This recipe is designed for efficiency. You can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour, making it ideal for those evenings when time is of the essence.

• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a win! This soup cooks entirely in one pot, reducing the hassle and leaving you with more time to relax.

• Hearty and Filling: Packed with lean ground beef, rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option), and plenty of vegetables, this soup is incredibly satisfying and will keep you full for hours.

• Customizable: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to swap out vegetables, add different spices, or adjust the broth to suit your preferences.

• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this flavorful and comforting soup. The familiar flavors of stuffed peppers are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients for the Perfect Stuffed Ground Beef Soup

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating this culinary masterpiece. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef is the foundation of this hearty soup. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

• Onion and Garlic: 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced, provide the aromatic base for the soup.

• Bell Peppers: 1-2 bell peppers (any color), chopped, add sweetness and vibrant color.

• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained, contributes acidity and depth of flavor. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky element that elevates the soup.

• Tomato Sauce: 1 (8 ounce) can of tomato sauce thickens the broth and enhances the tomato flavor.

• Beef Broth: 4 cups of beef broth provide the liquid base for the soup. Chicken broth can be used as a substitute.

• Cooked Rice: 1 cup of cooked white or brown rice adds substance and heartiness. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice.

• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning adds a classic blend of herbs that complements the other flavors.

• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon of paprika adds a touch of smokiness and color.

• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

• Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack), sour cream, fresh parsley, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for garnish.

Tips for Ingredient Selection

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (90% or higher) to minimize grease and keep the soup healthy. If using a higher fat content, be sure to drain off any excess grease after browning.

• Bell Peppers: Choose bell peppers that are firm and brightly colored. Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are sweeter than green bell peppers.

• Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

• Rice: Cook your rice ahead of time or use leftover rice to save time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Quick Stuffed Ground Beef Soup

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the easy steps for creating this delicious soup:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.

3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.

4. Season the Soup: Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well.

5. Simmer and Cook: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer for a more developed flavor.

6. Add Cooked Rice: Stir in the cooked rice (or cauliflower rice) and cook for another 5 minutes, until heated through.

7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.

8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh parsley, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Variations and Adaptations

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice to make this soup keto-friendly and low-carb.

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn.

• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cooked rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Instant Pot Version: Brown the ground beef using the sauté function. Add the remaining ingredients (except the cooked rice) and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the cooked rice before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Quick Stuffed Ground Beef Soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with various sides for a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings:

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. The bread will soak up the flavorful broth.

• Garlic Bread: Elevate the soup with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread.

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty soup.

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For a comforting and classic combination, pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a perfect complement to the savory flavors of the soup.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and deepen over time.

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly, ensuring the meat is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely. Brown rice offers a nuttier flavor and takes longer to cook. Ensure the brown rice is fully cooked before adding it to the soup.

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, this soup is excellent in a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add cooked rice during the last 30 minutes.

• Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

• What vegetables can I add to this soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

As long as you use a gluten-free broth and ensure any added ingredients are gluten-free (like verifying the Italian seasoning blend doesn't contain gluten), the soup is naturally gluten-free.