Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup

Imagine all the cozy flavors of a stuffed bell pepper, transformed into a hearty, comforting soup. That’s exactly what you get with Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup—a fragrant mix of savory ground beef, sweet bell peppers, and tender orzo swimming in a rich tomato broth. It’s the kind of soup that makes your kitchen smell amazing and warms you from the inside out.

Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. And trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be thinking, “Why didn’t I turn stuffed peppers into soup sooner?”

Recipe Origin

Stuffed peppers are a classic family favorite around the world. This soup is inspired by that familiar dish—ground beef, bell peppers, rice (or in this case, orzo), and tomatoes—all condensed into a flavorful, warming soup. The result is a comforting, one-pot meal that’s simple, hearty, and perfect for any occasion.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle (for serving)

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup

Hearty & Comforting

Every spoonful is packed with rich flavor, tender meat, and perfectly cooked orzo, making it a full meal in itself.

Easy Weeknight Meal

Simple steps, minimal cleanup, and ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Budget-Friendly

Affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes create something truly special without breaking the bank.

Crowd-Pleasing

Adults love the familiar stuffed pepper flavors, and kids adore the tender pasta and mild tomato broth.

Versatile

Serve it as a main course or as a starter. You can even tweak it with extra vegetables, spices, or cheese.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Brown the meat well: Developing a nice sear adds depth and richness.
• Dice peppers evenly: Ensures uniform cooking and perfect texture.
• Add orzo last: Cooking the pasta in the soup at the end prevents it from getting mushy.
• Taste as you go: Adjust salt, pepper, and seasoning to your preference.
• Simmer gently: A gentle simmer helps flavors meld beautifully without overcooking the meat or pasta.

Ingredients in Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup

(Note: Full measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Ground Beef

Provides hearty, savory flavor and a protein-packed base for the soup.

Bell Peppers

Green and red peppers add sweetness, color, and a classic stuffed pepper taste.

Yellow Onion

Sautéed to bring sweetness and depth to the broth.

Garlic

Adds warmth and aromatic richness.

Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce

Creates a rich, flavorful base that’s slightly sweet and tangy.

Beef Broth & Water

Adds savory depth and creates the perfect soupy texture.

Worcestershire Sauce

Enhances the meatiness and adds a subtle tang.

Kosher Salt, Black Pepper & Italian Seasoning

Balances and layers the flavors for a perfectly seasoned soup.

Orzo Pasta

Small, tender pasta that soaks up the flavorful broth without overpowering it.

Parsley

Fresh chopped parsley adds a bright, herbal finish.

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Brown the Beef

Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Remove excess fat if needed.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add diced onion, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and the peppers soften.

Build the Broth

Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, water, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

Season the Soup

Add kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust as needed.

Simmer

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Add Orzo

Stir in uncooked orzo and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~320
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup

• With Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• With Salad: A crisp green salad pairs beautifully with the rich soup.
• Toppings: Sprinkle with parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
• As a Standalone Meal: This soup is hearty enough to serve on its own.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-Ahead: Cook the soup up to step 9, but don’t add the orzo. Store the base in the fridge and cook the orzo just before serving.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze without orzo; cook fresh orzo when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop to prevent overcooking the pasta.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat.
• Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, carrots, or spinach for more nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded mozzarella or parmesan just before serving.
• Herb Variations: Try basil, thyme, or oregano instead of Italian seasoning.

Additional Tips

• Dice veggies consistently: Ensures even cooking.
• Don’t overcook orzo: Add it at the end to keep its texture.
• Taste before serving: Adjust seasoning as flavors intensify during simmering.
• Use a good-quality broth: It makes a noticeable difference in depth and richness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Store the broth and cooked vegetables separately. Add pasta just before serving.

Q2: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A2: Absolutely—ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.

Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
A3: Freeze without orzo; add fresh orzo when reheating.

Q4: Can I use white or brown rice instead of orzo?
A4: Yes, adjust cooking time to ensure rice is fully tender.

Q5: How spicy is it?
A5: Mild, but you can add cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.

Q6: Can I make it vegetarian?
A6: Yes! Swap meat with lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.

Q7: Can I add more vegetables?
A7: Definitely—carrots, zucchini, and spinach all work beautifully.

Q8: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A8: Yes, just peel, dice, and simmer them longer for a rich flavor.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes! Use a larger pot and increase cooking time slightly.

Q10: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A10: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen if needed.

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Conclusion

Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup captures the best flavors of a stuffed pepper in a comforting, one-pot meal. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, this soup is a versatile recipe that everyone will love.

So grab your pot, chop those peppers, and simmer your way to a bowl of cozy deliciousness. Once you taste it, it might just become a new weeknight favorite.

Watch how to make this hearty and comforting soup