All the cozy flavor of stuffed peppers — transformed into a hearty, high-protein bowl of comfort. Perfect for fall nights, meal prep, or game day.
Recipe Card:
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Dietary: High-Protein • One-Pot
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 3 bell peppers, roughly chopped (red, orange, green mix)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 6 cups beef bone broth
- 1 cup uncooked Parish rice (or any long-grain rice)
- Shredded cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Brown 2 lbs ground beef in a large pot until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped bell peppers and diced onion; cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Season with Cajun seasoning, cumin, garlic salt, black pepper, and chipotle in adobo; stir to coat.
- Add 2 tbsp minced garlic; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef bone broth. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer 15 minutes.
- Add 1 cup uncooked rice; bring back to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot topped with shredded cheese.
Quick Notes
- Adjust broth based on how thick you like your soup.
- Use turkey for a leaner, lower-calorie version.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes add smoky flavor—highly recommended.
Introduction
This soup takes the flavors of classic stuffed peppers and turns them into a comforting, high-protein one-pot dinner. Packed with beef, bone broth, and hearty veggies, it’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights, busy weekdays, and football season. Each bowl is rich, smoky, and satisfying — with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Brown the Meat
Cook the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until fully browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Tip: Draining excess grease helps keep the soup lighter.
2. Add the Veggies
Toss in the chopped bell peppers and diced onion. Cook until the veggies begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
This builds the base flavor.
3. Add the Seasonings
Mix in Cajun seasoning, cumin, garlic salt, black pepper, and chipotle in adobo.
Chipotle adds heat + smoky depth — adjust to taste.
4. Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Don’t let the garlic brown — turn heat down if needed.
5. Add Liquids
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bone broth.
Bring to a simmer to let flavors meld together.
6. Add Rice
Add uncooked Parish rice and stir it in.
Return to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender.
7. Final Taste Test
Adjust seasonings based on your heat and salt preferences.
8. Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese so it melts beautifully.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Bell Peppers
Use a mix of colors for sweetness + depth.
Substitute: frozen peppers, no thawing needed.
Meat
Ground beef = richer flavor.
Ground turkey = leaner.
Other options: chicken, venison, plant-based crumbles.
Tomatoes
Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes add smoky flavor.
Swap: regular crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes (soup will be chunkier).
Rice
Parish rice or long-grain white rice cooks evenly.
Substitutes:
- Brown rice: add 10–15 mins + extra broth
- Cauliflower rice (low-carb): add in last 5 mins only
Chipotle in Adobo
Brings smokiness + a slight kick.
Substitute: smoked paprika or chili flakes.
Broth
Bone broth adds protein + richness.
Substitute: chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations
- Cheesy Mix-In: Melt in 1–2 cups cheddar directly.
- Tex-Mex Style: Add corn + black beans.
- Italian Style: Swap Cajun for Italian seasoning + basil.
Dietary Variations
- Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice.
- Dairy-Free: Skip cheese or use DF shreds.
- Low-Sodium: Use no-salt tomatoes + low-sodium broth.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with garlic bread or cornbread.
- Add avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Top with cilantro, parsley, or green onions.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freeze
Up to 3 months (for best texture, freeze without rice).
Reheat
- Stove: medium heat, add broth if it thickens.
- Microwave: heat in intervals, stirring often.
Make Ahead
Cook the soup without rice → add rice fresh during reheating for best texture.
Nutrition (Estimated per serving)
Calories: ~320–360
Protein: ~28–32g
Carbs: ~20–26g
Fat: ~12–15g
Allergens: Dairy (cheese).
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
Yes — simmer longer + add extra broth.
Can I make it mild?
Skip the chipotle or use half.
Can I make it spicy?
Add more chipotle or a diced jalapeño.
Slow cooker-friendly?
Yes — add everything except rice, cook 6 hours on LOW, add rice for last 20–30 mins.
