This Pepper Soup Recipe brings the delightful essence of Italian stuffed peppers into a cozy, one-pot dish. Perfect for any occasion, this soup is rich with flavors from juicy Italian sausage and fresh bell peppers, all simmered in a zesty tomato broth. It’s a comforting meal that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- How to Make Pepper Soup Recipe
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Vegetables
- Step 2: Combine Remaining Ingredients
- Step 3: Simmer the Soup
- Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
- Step 5: Serve with Mozzarella
- How to Serve Pepper Soup Recipe
- With Crusty Bread
- With Salads
- Topped with Cheese
- As Part of a Meal
- How to Perfect Pepper Soup Recipe
- Best Side Dishes for Pepper Soup Recipe
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Pepper Soup Recipe
- Reheating Pepper Soup Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different meats in this Pepper Soup Recipe?
- How can I make this Pepper Soup Recipe vegetarian?
- What are some good toppings for my Pepper Soup Recipe?
- Can I add other vegetables to this Pepper Soup Recipe?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This soup comes together in just one pot, minimizing cleanup and hassle.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out proteins and veggies based on what you have at home.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe makes a large batch, so it’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Comfort Food Classic: This hearty soup is sure to warm you up on chilly days.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Pepper Soup Recipe, having the right tools can make the process smoother. Here are some essential items you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for even cooking and allows for ample space when combining ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps evenly distribute flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hot Italian sausage (may sub lean ground beef/turkey – see notes)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped (or half large)
- 1 red bell pepper, 1/2-inch chop
- 1 green bell pepper, 1/2-inch chop
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes, no salt/seasonings added
- 1 14.5 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice (see notes for options)
- 1 TBS EACH fresh chopped basil, oregano, parsley (or 1 tsp EACH dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- freshly shredded mozzarella for serving
How to Make Pepper Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Vegetables
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Brown the sausage along with the onions for about 4 minutes, breaking up the sausage as it cooks.
Add the bell peppers, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for an additional 2–3 minutes until the meat is cooked through and onions are tender. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add all remaining ingredients except the cheeses into the pot.
Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Cover the soup and bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat to LOW.
Continue to simmer while covered, stirring occasionally for about 8–12 minutes or until rice is cooked through.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you prefer a thinner soup, add additional broth until desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Serve with Mozzarella
Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with freshly shredded mozzarella.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Pepper Soup!
How to Serve Pepper Soup Recipe
Serving your Pepper Soup Recipe can be a delightful experience. You can enhance the meal with various accompaniments that complement its rich flavors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the soup.
- Baguette Slices – Freshly sliced baguette is great for dipping into the delicious broth.
With Salads
- Caesar Salad – The crispness of romaine lettuce and creamy dressing contrasts beautifully with the warm soup.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add a refreshing touch alongside your Pepper Soup.
Topped with Cheese
- Shredded Mozzarella – Melting mozzarella on top creates a rich, gooey texture that enhances each bite.
- Parmesan Sprinkle – A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a nice salty finish to your soup.
As Part of a Meal
- Serve with Rice – A side of cooked rice can soak up the flavorful broth and make the meal more filling.
- Accompanied by Grilled Vegetables – Roasted or grilled veggies add a healthy balance to your meal.

How to Perfect Pepper Soup Recipe
Creating the ultimate Pepper Soup Recipe requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for an incredible dish every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and texture in your soup.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Tailor the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference for a custom kick.
- Choose Quality Sausage – Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor. Lean ground turkey or beef also works well.
- Simmer Gently – Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps all flavors meld together beautifully.
- Taste as You Go – Taste your soup periodically to adjust seasoning levels for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Make Ahead – Prepare it ahead of time; flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better!
Best Side Dishes for Pepper Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Pepper Soup Recipe can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread – Warm, crispy, and flavorful, perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp greens tossed in creamy dressing provide a nice contrast in textures.
- Roasted Vegetables – A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until tender complements the hearty soup well.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil is light and refreshing alongside rich soup.
- Cheesy Quesadillas – These can be filled with cheese and veggies; they make a fun dipper!
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms add an extra layer of flavor that pairs nicely with pepper soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Pepper Soup Recipe can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to success.
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing your sausage and veggies enhances flavor. Don’t rush this part; it adds depth to your soup.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using fresh ingredients makes a noticeable difference. Always opt for high-quality tomatoes and spices for the best taste.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to elevate the flavor profile.
- Overcooking rice: Rice can become mushy if cooked too long in the broth. Check it frequently to ensure perfect texture.
- Failing to customize: This recipe is flexible! Feel free to add extra veggies or different meats based on what you have available.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Pepper Soup Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.
Reheating Pepper Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium until warm, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Pepper Soup Recipe.
Can I use different meats in this Pepper Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or lean beef work well as alternatives to Italian sausage.
How can I make this Pepper Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Substitute the meat with beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty vegetarian version.
What are some good toppings for my Pepper Soup Recipe?
Consider adding fresh herbs, grated cheese, or even croutons for added texture and flavor!
Can I add other vegetables to this Pepper Soup Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you have on hand like zucchini or corn for additional nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Pepper Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have available. Enjoy it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that warms both your heart and stomach!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Pepper Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Warm up with this delightful Pepper Soup Recipe that captures the soul of Italian stuffed peppers in a comforting, one-pot meal. Bursting with the robust flavors of juicy Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty tomato broth, this hearty soup is perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and versatile, it allows for ingredient swaps based on your pantry staples. Whether you’re hosting family dinners or enjoying a cozy night in, this satisfying dish will surely please everyone at the table. Top it off with melted mozzarella for an irresistible finish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hot Italian sausage (or lean ground beef/turkey)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz.)
- 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
- 3/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 6 cups low sodium beef broth
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella for serving
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the sausage with onions for about 4 minutes.
- Stir in bell peppers, garlic, and red pepper flakes; sauté until softened.
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, rice, broth, and herbs; mix well.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for about 12 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot topped with shredded mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg