Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup with Ground Turkey
Warm up with hearty, flavorful Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup with Ground Turkey, a comforting and nutritious meal that combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into a cozy bowl of soup. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a satisfying dish that’s easy to make and packed with vibrant vegetables and lean protein. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this soup brings all the cozy vibes you love from stuffed bell peppers in a lighter, slurpable form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Bowl: All the familiar flavors of stuffed bell peppers come together in a warm, easy-to-eat soup.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Ground turkey adds lean protein, while colorful veggies provide vitamins and fiber.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, so you can have dinner ready in under an hour.
- Family-Friendly: Mild, flavorful, and customizable to suit picky eaters or spice lovers alike.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers and reheats beautifully, perfect for busy weekdays.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup with Ground Turkey are straightforward but essential, coming together to create a delicious balance of textures and flavors. Each adds a unique role—from the juicy bell peppers to the hearty ground turkey, and the spices that bring everything to life.
- Ground Turkey: The lean protein base that keeps the soup light but filling.
- Bell Peppers: Red, green, or yellow—adding sweetness, color, and freshness.
- Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a rich, savory foundation.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned or fresh, they provide tang and depth.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds creaminess and thickens the broth slightly.
- Beef or Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid that brings everything together.
- Rice or Quinoa: Makes the soup heartier and adds texture.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the dish’s warmth.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to balance all the flavors.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding richness without heaviness.
Variations for Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup with Ground Turkey
One of the best parts of this soup is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak ingredients and flavors based on what you have or dietary preferences. Here are some tasty ideas to make it your own!
- Swap Proteins: Use ground beef, chicken, or turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Edition: Replace ground turkey with lentils or crumbled tofu for a plant-based twist.
- Add Heat: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like a little spice.
- Grain-Free: Omit the rice or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Cheesy Finish: Stir in shredded cheese or top with parmesan just before serving.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup with Ground Turkey
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Protein
Chop your bell peppers, dice onion and garlic, and set aside. Brown the ground turkey in a large pot with olive oil until fully cooked and lightly golden. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add chopped onions and garlic to the pot with the turkey, cooking until softened and fragrant. This will enhance the overall depth of flavor in the soup.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add diced bell peppers, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, rice, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything well to combine, making sure the rice is fully submerged to cook evenly.
Step 4: Simmer Gently
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as necessary. Serve hot, garnished as you like for an extra personal touch.
Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup with Ground Turkey
- Use Fresh Bell Peppers: Fresh peppers provide the best texture and sweetness, but frozen works in a pinch.
- Don’t Skip Browning the Turkey: Browning adds flavor through caramelization, making the soup richer.
- Simmer Slowly: Low and slow cooking brings out the best melding of flavors.
- Adjust Rice Timing: If you plan to reheat leftovers, undercook the rice slightly to avoid mushiness.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky depth.
How to Serve Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup with Ground Turkey
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a bit of shredded cheese can instantly elevate the soup’s flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair with a warm crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad for a complete meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun presentation or alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for an extra cozy combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen over time!
Freezing
This soup freezes well—ladle it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. For best results, slightly undercook the rice before freezing to avoid mushiness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if too thick.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be substituted in equal amounts for a richer flavor, though ground turkey keeps the soup lighter.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and check canned tomato product labels.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground turkey with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based protein alternative to keep it hearty and nutritious.
How long does the soup keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup with Ground Turkey will last about 4 days when refrigerated.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, just brown the turkey and sauté aromatics first, then combine everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup with Ground Turkey is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of a classic comfort food in a fresh new way. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and adaptable, perfect for any season but especially comforting when the days turn cooler. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to cozy meal!
Related Posts
PrintStuffed Bell Pepper Soup with Ground Turkey
Warm up with hearty, flavorful Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup with Ground Turkey, a comforting and nutritious meal that combines the classic flavors of stuffed peppers into a cozy bowl of soup. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or meal prepping, packed with vibrant vegetables, lean protein, and classic herbs for a balanced and satisfying bowl of comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground turkey
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Broth & Grains
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup rice or quinoa
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep Your Veggies and Protein: Chop the bell peppers, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground turkey until fully cooked and lightly golden to build a flavorful base for the soup.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the turkey and cook until softened and fragrant, enhancing the depth of flavor in the soup.
- Combine the Ingredients: Stir in the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, rice, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything well, ensuring the rice is fully submerged to cook evenly.
- Simmer Gently: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with optional garnishes like fresh parsley, sour cream, or shredded cheese for an extra personal touch.
Notes
- Use fresh bell peppers for the best texture and sweetness; frozen peppers can be used in a pinch.
- Don’t skip browning the turkey to add rich flavor through caramelization.
- Simmer slowly to allow flavors to meld thoroughly.
- When making leftovers, slightly undercook the rice to prevent mushiness when reheated.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky, spicy twist if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: stuffed bell pepper soup, ground turkey soup, healthy soup, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten free soup, meal prep soup
