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Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal
This slow cooker stuffed pepper soup is a delicious and hearty meal that captures the essence of stuffed peppers in a comforting soup form. Packed with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making this flavorful dish from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, yellow), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Season the Soup:
- Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Cook the Soup:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.
- Add the Rice:
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked rice. If you prefer, you can also serve the rice separately and ladle the soup over it when serving.
- Serve:
- Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Additional Tips:
- Rice Options:
- You can use any type of rice you prefer, such as white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice. If using uncooked rice, add it about 1 hour before the end of the cooking time and ensure there is enough liquid in the soup to cook the rice.
- Vegetable Variations:
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach for added nutrition and variety.
- Freezing the Soup:
- This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Health Benefits:
- Bell Peppers:
- Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, which support immune health and digestion.
- Tomatoes:
- Tomatoes provide a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, as well as vitamins C and K.
- Ground Beef:
- Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, which are essential for energy and overall health.
By following this guide, you can create a delicious and hearty slow cooker stuffed pepper soup that is perfect for any time of the year. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and full of nutritious ingredients, making it a great addition to your meal rotation.
