This stuffed red pepper soup is what you make when you love the flavors of classic stuffed peppers… but absolutely do not want to deal with stuffing, baking, or carefully slicing peppers. It has everything you want — savory meat, sweet bell peppers, tomato-rich broth, rice that makes it feel like a meal, just in a cozy, one-pot soup form that’s far more forgiving.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent.
1 small yellow onion, 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
2 garlic cloves
Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef or chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Season lightly with chicken bouillon as it cooks.
Stir in the chopped bell peppers and tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and coats the vegetables.
2 small red bell peppers, 1 green bell pepper, 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Simmer the Soup
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken bone broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, 1 15 oz cans tomato sauce, 6 cups chicken bone broth, 3 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes so the flavors come together.
Add the Rice
Stir in the rice and continue simmering until the rice is tender — about 15–20 minutes for uncooked rice, or about 5 minutes if using cooked or frozen rice.
1.5 cups frozen or cooked rice
Finish and Serve
Stir in the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
2½ tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Serve hot, topped with labneh or sour cream and extra parsley.
Labneh or sour cream
Video
Notes
Nutrition facts are only estimates.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheat: Gently on the stove with extra broth as needed