When the weather turns sharp and the kitchen windows fog up, there is something mighty comforting about a simple supper that simmers away in one pot and fills the whole house with that old-fashioned, supper-time smell. This cozy bowl takes its inspiration from classic stuffed peppers, but skips the fuss of stuffing and baking so you can get all that homestyle flavor with hardly any trouble at all.
Serve this hearty soup with buttered saltine crackers, a slice of warm cornbread, or a hunk of crusty bread for sopping up that rich tomato broth. If you want to round it out a little more, a simple lettuce salad or a dish of cottage cheese on the side fits right in with the modest, comforting spirit of this meal.
4-Ingredient Stuffed Pepper Soup
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 green bell peppers, diced
1 bottle (46 oz) tomato juice
1 cup instant white rice
Directions
1. In a large pot set over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease if needed.
2. Add the diced green bell peppers to the pot and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until they begin to soften.
3. Pour in the tomato juice and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the instant rice and let the soup simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, until the rice is tender and the broth has thickened slightly. Ladle hot into bowls and serve.
Variations & Tips
Make It Heartier: If you have a hungry crowd, stir in a little extra rice or serve the soup with thick slices of buttered bread. This is the sort of meal that stretches nicely without losing its homespun charm.
Use What You Have: Red or yellow bell peppers can be used instead of green if that is what is in the crisper. The flavor will be a touch sweeter, but the soup will still turn out warm and satisfying.
Watch the Rice: Instant rice cooks quickly and will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits. If the soup thickens more than you like, just stir in a splash of water or a bit more tomato juice when reheating.
Season to Taste: Even with just four ingredients, a little salt and black pepper at the end can help wake everything up. Since tomato juice brands vary, give it a taste before serving and adjust if needed.