Oh my gosh, let me tell you about this Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup! It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty and comforting. I stumbled upon this recipe during a family get-together, and it quickly became a favorite! The combination of tender banana peppers stuffed with a savory beef and rice mixture, all simmered in rich beef broth, is just divine. You get that sweet, slightly spicy kick from the peppers, which pairs so beautifully with the robust flavors of the filling. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! It’s simple, satisfying, and the leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great make-ahead meal. So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into creating a bowl of pure joy!
Ingredients List
- 4 banana peppers (choose firm ones for the best flavor)
- 1 cup ground beef (or any ground meat you prefer, like turkey or chicken)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown rice works beautifully)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, whatever you have on hand)
- 1 onion, chopped (the more aromatic, the better!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 4 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought, just ensure it’s rich)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for that extra layer of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season generously!)
How to Prepare Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want that cozy warmth ready for your soup!
- While the oven heats up, grab those banana peppers and cut the tops off. Carefully remove the seeds inside—this is where the magic happens, so be gentle!
- Next, let’s get cooking! In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll love that aroma filling your kitchen!
- Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together well, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This filling is where all the flavors come together—trust me, it’s scrumptious!
- Time to stuff those peppers! Spoon the beef mixture into each banana pepper until they’re packed full. Don’t be shy; fill them up!
- In a baking dish, place the stuffed peppers upright and pour in the beef broth until it covers the bottom of the dish. This keeps everything moist while baking.
- Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 30 minutes. This cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the peppers to become tender.
- Once done, carefully remove the foil, and let it cool slightly before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy that delicious warmth!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out—perfect for cozy nights!
- Super easy to make with just a few simple steps, so even beginner cooks can shine.
- Packed with flavor from the stuffed banana peppers and savory beef filling.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste just as amazing the next day.
- Customizable! You can switch up the meat or add your favorite spices to make it your own.
- A fun way to enjoy your veggies without sacrificing taste—trust me, you won’t even notice you’re eating them!
Tips for Success
To really nail this Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup, here are my go-to tips! First, if you’re not a fan of ground beef, feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute—just be sure to season it well! Also, don’t skip on sautéing the onion and garlic; it adds a depth of flavor that’s just irresistible. One common mistake is overstuffing the peppers; you want them full but not bursting—think of it like giving them a nice, snug hug. Lastly, if you like a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick!
Variations of Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup
The beauty of Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup is how versatile it can be! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground beef for Italian sausage or even shredded chicken for a different flavor profile. Want to kick up the spice? Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. You can also throw in some black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition. Don’t forget about herbs—fresh basil or parsley can add a bright touch! Just remember, the sky’s the limit, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup. Each bowl contains about 350 calories, with 20g of fat (including 8g of saturated fat), and 20g of protein to keep you nice and satisfied. You’ll also get around 30g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber, which is great! Just keep in mind that these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, feel free to adjust as you see fit, especially if you’re making any substitutions!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of peppers? Absolutely! While banana peppers are my go-to for this soup, you can easily swap them out for poblano or bell peppers if you prefer a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary depending on the size of the peppers.
Is this soup spicy? It depends on your preference! Banana peppers have a mild heat, but if you want to amp up the spice, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the filling. Adjust it to your taste and enjoy!
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Definitely! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the stuffed peppers and store them in the fridge, then just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier!
What can I serve with this soup? I love serving Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. It’s a cozy meal on its own, but those sides really round it out nicely!
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the soup! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating, and it’ll be just as delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the soup too! Just make sure it’s cooled down before you pop it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, just simmer it on the stove or microwave until hot. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your adventures with Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to rate it too! Sharing your experiences really makes my day. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog or try making Stuffed Pepper Soup for another comforting dish!
For more information on the health benefits of peppers, visit Healthline.
Print
Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup: 7 Warm Comforting Servings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty soup made with stuffed banana peppers.
Ingredients
- 4 banana peppers
- 1 cup ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cut the tops off the banana peppers and remove seeds.
- In a skillet, cook the onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Stuff the banana peppers with the beef mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with beef broth.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use any ground meat of your choice.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Stuffed Banana Pepper Soup, soup, stuffed peppers, hearty soup