Delicious Bell Pepper Stew Recipe

Are you looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to warm you up on a chilly day? Look no further than this delicious Savory Bell Pepper Stew recipe! Packed with spicy Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a blend of savory herbs, this stew is a comforting one-pot wonder that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

Imagine the rich aroma of Italian sausage mingling with sweet bell peppers in a tangy tomato broth, topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese—pure comfort in a bowl! The best part? This stew comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or for sharing at gatherings with friends and family.

Not only is this Savory Bell Pepper Stew incredibly tasty, but it’s also a nutritious choice. Loaded with vitamins, protein, and fiber, this dish will keep you full and energized. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, feeding a crowd for less than $15. Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast or a busy parent looking for a fuss-free dinner option, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Quick Benefits

• Packed with vitamins: Bell peppers provide vitamins A and C, while tomatoes offer lycopene that fights off cell damage.
• Balanced meal: Protein from the sausage and fiber from the rice keep you full without crashing later, with each bowl containing about 400 calories and 25g of protein.
• Cost-effective: Feeds 6-8 people for less than $15 total, making it an affordable meal that tastes like restaurant-quality.
• Customizable for all palates: Easily adaptable for picky eaters—blend for those who don’t like veggie chunks, use mild sausage for those who can’t handle spice, and add red pepper flakes for the spice lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Bell Pepper Stew Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy One-Pot Dish: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Delicious Italian Flavors: Packed with the yummy taste of Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and tangy tomato broth, this stew captures the essence of stuffed peppers in a convenient soup form.
• Nutrient-Rich and Filling: Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants from bell peppers and tomatoes, protein from sausage, and fiber from rice, this soup is not only tasty but also nutritious and satisfying.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Feeding 6-8 people for under $15, this recipe is a cost-effective way to enjoy a flavorful and hearty meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
• Customizable for Picky Eaters: Easily adaptable for different preferences—blend for picky veggie eaters, adjust spice levels with sausage choice and red pepper flakes, and customize cheese toppings for a personalized dining experience.
• Versatile for All Seasons: Suitable for any time of year, this soup can be paired with various sides—light salads in summer, crusty bread in fall and winter, or fresh vegetables in spring—for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Perfect Leftover Option: Tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying as a quick and delicious leftover meal.
• Avoid Cooking Mishaps: Tips included to prevent common mistakes, such as overcooking the rice, ensuring a perfect consistency and texture every time you make the soup.

Ingredients for Delicious Bell Pepper Stew Recipe

Base

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into ½-inch pieces
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• ⅛-¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 4-6 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Liquids & Tomatoes

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, plain without added salt
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes with liquid
• 6 cups low sodium beef broth

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

Rice & Cheese

• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh shredded mozzarella for topping
• ¾ cup uncooked long grain white rice

Pro Tips for Delicious Bell Pepper Stew Recipe

Pro Tip 1: When cooking the rice for the Savory Bell Pepper Stew, make sure to check it a little before the recommended time is up to prevent it from turning mushy. Take it off the heat when the rice still has a tiny bit of firmness left to ensure it’s perfectly cooked and maintains a pleasant texture in the soup.

Pro Tip 2: Customize the level of spice in the stew to accommodate different preferences. If you have picky eaters at home, opt for mild Italian sausage instead of spicy, and let spice lovers add red pepper flakes to their individual bowls. This way, everyone can enjoy the soup without compromising on flavor, making mealtime a stress-free experience for the whole family.

How to Make Delicious Bell Pepper Stew Recipe

Step 1: Brown Meat

In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook sausage and onions for 4 minutes, breaking up the meat. Add bell peppers, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Combine the tomatoes, rice, herbs, salt, pepper, and beef broth.

Step 3: Simmer

Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-12 minutes until rice is tender.

Step 4: Finish

Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. If a thinner consistency is desired, add more broth.

Step 5: Serve

Distribute shredded mozzarella evenly over each bowl before serving.

Storage Tips

Once the Savory Bell Pepper Stew is cooked, allow it to cool completely at room temperature before storing. Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers, making sure to seal them tightly to prevent air exposure. The stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the stew in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remember to leave some space for expansion as the stew freezes. Properly stored, the Bell Pepper Stew can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy the frozen stew, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Stir the stew well after reheating to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to adjust the heat level of this Savory Bell Pepper Stew, you can easily swap out the spicy Italian sausage for a milder version or even use ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Vegetarians can substitute the sausage with plant-based alternatives like vegetarian sausage crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free twist.

For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, you can make this stew gluten-free by replacing the white rice with cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice. To make it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella toppings, or use dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Additionally, you can customize the herb flavors by using your favorite herbs or dried herb blends in place of the suggested basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme for a different taste profile. These simple swaps ensure that everyone can enjoy a delicious bowl of this flavorful and nutritious stew.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, consider setting up a “Stuffed Pepper Soup Bar” at your next gathering. Provide individual bowls of toppings such as extra shredded mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes. Guests can customize their soup by adding their favorite toppings, creating a personalized flavor profile.

To elevate the presentation of your Stuffed Pepper Soup, serve it in hollowed-out mini bell peppers. Simply cut off the tops of small bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, and ladle the soup inside. This not only adds a charming touch to your table but also allows guests to enjoy the soup and its flavors in a unique and visually appealing way.

FAQs for Delicious Bell Pepper Stew Recipe

Can I use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy Italian sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy if you prefer a milder flavor. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to suit your taste preferences.

Can I substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. Keep in mind that brown rice typically has a longer cooking time, so you may need to adjust the cooking time or pre-cook the rice partially before adding it to the stew.

Can I freeze this Stuffed Pepper Soup for later use?

Yes, you can freeze this Stuffed Pepper Soup for later. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How can I make this soup less spicy for sensitive palates?

If you prefer a milder version of this soup, you can opt for mild Italian sausage instead of spicy, omit the crushed red pepper flakes, and reduce or omit the fresh garlic. You can also offer red pepper flakes on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Conclusion

After simmering a pot of this delightful Savory Bell Pepper Stew on your stovetop, you’ll be rewarded with a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in. The blend of Italian sausage, bell peppers, and herbs creates a symphony of tastes that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds every time.

Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe to suit your preferences—add extra spice, more cheese, or different veggies to make it your own. The beauty of this stew lies in its versatility and simplicity. So go ahead, grab a bowl, and savor every spoonful of this comforting Savory Bell Pepper Stew. Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you for it!