Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup

Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup is a delightful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, packed into a cozy bowl of goodness. Imagine a chilly evening where the aroma of simmering soup fills your kitchen, instantly warming your heart. This recipe combines all the comforting elements of stuffed peppers with the ease of a soup. Featuring tender orzo, savory ground beef, and vibrant bell peppers, it’s an easy one-pot meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, this soup is perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on your own. So, grab your pot, and let’s embark on this delicious cooking adventure together!

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Why This Recipe Works

Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup is a wonderful fusion of flavors that captures the essence of home cooking. The hearty ingredients and simple prep allow you to create a fulfilling meal in just one pot. This makes it not only convenient for busy days but also a warm, comforting choice for sharing with loved ones. You’ll find that the balance of flavors brings everyone together, making it a favorite around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup

What’s not to love about this soup? It seamlessly blends the familiar taste of stuffed peppers into something magical. Each spoonful offers tender orzo that hugs the savory bits of ground beef and colorful bell peppers, creating a delightful and satisfying experience. Your family will adore the warmth and comfort this dish brings. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (16 ounces / 480 g) beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup (236 g) orzo pasta, uncooked
• Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Prepare the Ground Beef and Vegetables

To kick things off, heat your large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil and wait until it shimmers a bit. Once it’s ready, toss in the ground beef, diced onion, and both bell peppers. Cook this mix while breaking up the meat for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the beef to be browned and fully cooked, without any pink left. If there’s too much grease, feel free to drain it.

Incorporate Garlic and Tomatoes

Now it’s time to amp up the flavor! Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Then, bring in the diced tomatoes (juice included), tomato sauce, beef broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good mix, so those flavors mingle together beautifully.

Bring to a Boil

Next, raise the heat on your pot to bring the soup to a rolling boil. Once it starts to bubble away, reduce the heat back down to low. This is where the magic begins!

Add Orzo and Simmer

Now, add that uncooked orzo pasta. Stir it in and cover the pot, allowing it to simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally during this time. You’ll know it’s ready when the orzo is tender and the soup has thickened up just a bit.

Garnish and Serve

Once that cooking time has passed, remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle your Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Now, it’s ready to serve warm!

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs splendidly with crusty bread, perfect for dipping, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. If you want to take things up a notch, pour a glass of red wine to enhance your dining experience.

Tips for Success

• For a kick of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
• Keep an eye on your orzo; overcooked pasta can become mushy, and no one wants that.
• Feel free to add more vegetables, like corn or zucchini, for extra nutrition and flavor.

Variations

• For a lighter option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Going vegetarian? Replace the meat with lentils and use vegetable broth.
• Experiment with seasonings; taco seasoning can give the soup a fun twist!

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze your soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it on the stove for the best flavor and texture.

Pairing Ideas

To complete your meal, serve Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup with garlic bread or a side of roasted veggies. A refreshing cucumber salad would add a light touch to balance the rich flavors of the soup.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can swap orzo for any small pasta shape, although you may need to adjust the cooking time.

2. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes! Just let it cool thoroughly before transferring it to an airtight container.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Of course! About 3-4 medium fresh tomatoes, diced, will work just fine.

4. How do I enhance the flavor of this soup?
Adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate your soup’s flavor significantly.

5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Just substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup is more than a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. With easy preparation, it fits perfectly into your routine, providing warmth on those chilly nights. Plus, the opportunities for customization allow you to make it uniquely yours. So, gather your ingredients and savor every delightful spoonful!

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