Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Warm up with Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup – a cozy dish perfect for chilly days or anytime! Packed with goodness, it's a tasty and easy one-pot meal. This hearty soup, featuring ground beef, bell pepper, and rice in a flavorful broth, is a classic made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Quick to prepare, it's the go-to recipe for busy weeknights.

In this post, I'll demonstrate how to whip up a delicious stuffed pepper soup using your Instant Pot. I'll walk you through the ingredients, the simple step-by-step cooking process, and share some handy tips to ensure your Instant Pot stuffed pepper soup bursts with flavor. Let's get cooking!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup in an Instant Pot
• Pro Tips for Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup
• Storage
• How to Reheat
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

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Ingredients

This Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe is like a simpler version of stuffed peppers. Instead of putting everything inside peppers, you just cook it all together in a tasty broth. To make this yummy soup, you'll need these ingredients:

1. Ground Beef Sirloin (90% lean / 10% fat) or 85% Lean Ground Turkey:
   • Adds protein and savory flavor to the soup. Lean meat reduces excess fat.
2. Bell Pepper (Green, Red, or Combo):
   • Provides sweetness and crunch, contributing to the soup's vibrant taste and texture.
3. Long Grain White Rice:
   • Adds heartiness and acts as a thickening agent. Rinsing removes excess starch for a fluffier texture.
4. Onion:
   • Enhances flavor and adds a savory base to the soup.
5. Garlic:
   • Infuses a rich, aromatic taste, elevating the overall flavor profile.
6. Tomato Sauce:
   • Offers a smooth, tomatoey base, enhancing the soup's consistency and taste.
7. Diced Tomato:
   • Adds texture and a burst of fresh tomato flavor to complement the other ingredients.
8. Italian Seasoning:
   • Brings a blend of herbs to the mix, providing a well-rounded, savory taste.
9. Dried Basil:
   • Infuses a hint of sweet and peppery notes, contributing to the soup's herbaceous profile.
10. Beef Broth:
    • Forms the savory liquid base of the soup, enriching it with depth and umami.
11. Worcestershire Sauce:
    • Adds a savory and slightly tangy flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.

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How to Make Stuffed Pepper Soup in an Instant Pot

Let's break down the straightforward process of preparing stuffed pepper soup in your Instant Pot:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

• Once your Instant Pot reads "Hot," add 2 tablespoons of oil.
• Place the ground beef in the pot without stirring for the first minute.
• After a minute, add a pinch of salt and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
• Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the ground beef into smaller pieces as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add Aromatic Vegetables

• Toss in the diced onion and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
• Once the onion is ready, introduce the chopped garlic and bell pepper, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the beef loses its pink color. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined for a flavorful base.

Step 3: Add Tomato Products

• Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the pot, ensuring they're well combined with the other ingredients.
• Allow the mixture to cook for approximately 2-3 minutes. This time allows the flavors to concentrate, reducing any tin taste from the tomato products. This step contributes to a richer and more balanced flavor profile in your stuffed pepper soup.

Step 4: Season, Add Rice, and Pressure Cook

• Incorporate dried Italian seasoning and dried basil into the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the seasonings.
• Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine all the elements.
• Now, add the uncooked rice to the mixture. Gently press the rice into the broth, but avoid stirring to maintain the rice's proper cooking consistency.
• Set the Instant Pot to "manual" and cook at high pressure for 3 minutes.
• Once the cooking cycle is complete, close and secure the lid. Allow the Instant Pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to naturally release pressure. Afterward, manually release any remaining pressure.

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Pro Tips for Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

1. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and vibrant vegetables for the best flavor. Crisp bell peppers and ripe tomatoes will add a delightful freshness to your soup.
2. Quality Beef Broth Matters: Not all beef broths are created equal! Opt for a high-quality beef broth that you've used and enjoyed before. Choosing a broth with a rich flavor will significantly enhance the overall taste of your stuffed pepper soup.
3. Personalize with Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Preferential Rice: Experiment with different types of rice for varied textures. Brown rice can add a nuttier flavor, while white rice tends to be softer. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
5. Let It Rest: Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This helps the flavors meld together, creating a more harmonious and enjoyable dish.
6. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top just before serving for a burst of color and added freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese can also elevate the soup.
7. Double Up for Later: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup makes fantastic leftovers. Consider making a larger batch to enjoy for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The flavors often intensify over time.
8. Mind the Salt: Taste the soup before adding additional salt. Broths and canned tomatoes can vary in salt content, so it's wise to adjust based on your specific ingredients.
9. Freeze for Convenience: This soup freezes well. Portion it into individual containers for quick and easy meals on busy days. Just reheat, and you have a homemade, comforting dish in no time.

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Storage

With these storage tips, you can savor your delicious stuffed pepper soup even on busy days! Here's how to store leftover stuffed pepper soup:

1. Cooling Process:
   • Allow the stuffed pepper soup to cool at room temperature, but ensure it doesn't sit out for more than 2 hours. This helps prevent bacteria growth. You can learn more here.
2. Airtight Container:
   • Once completely cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container. This seals in freshness and prevents odors from affecting the soup.
3. Refrigeration:
   • Store the airtight container in the refrigerator. Stuffed pepper soup can be safely stored for 3-5 days in the fridge.
4. Freezing Option:
   • For longer storage, consider freezing. This soup can be frozen for 4-6 months. Freeze it in individual servings to make reheating more convenient.
5. Proper Labeling:
   • Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Additionally, note any specific reheating instructions for future reference.
6. Reheating Instructions:
   • When ready to enjoy the leftover soup, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Ensure it reaches a safe and even temperature throughout.

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How to Reheat

Microwave Method:

1. Place the desired amount of soup into a microwave-safe container.
2. Microwave for approximately 20-30 seconds.
3. Pause to stir the soup and ensure even heating.
4. Continue microwaving in 20-30 second intervals until the center reaches at least 165°F.

Stovetop Method:

1. Transfer the soup to a pot.
2. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for a few minutes.
4. Confirm the soup's center temperature is at least 165°F.

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Check out more tasty soup recipes

• Italian Bean Soup
• Creamy Ravioli Soup
• Albondigas Soup
• Creamy Mushroom Soup without Cream

I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with friends! If you try it and don’t mind, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating. Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly recipes and follow me on Pinterest.

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