Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup

Save this recipe on:

This Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup is the coziest one-pot meal you’ll make this week. Packed with ground beef, tender orzo pasta, bell peppers, and tomatoes, this hearty soup brings all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed peppers into a rich, savory broth. It’s like wrapping yourself in a blanket of flavor.

With every spoonful, you get that signature combo of beefy, tomatoey goodness with a slightly sweet crunch from peppers, all smoothed out by the softness of orzo. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but comforting enough for a weekend wind-down meal.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup

This soup is the perfect answer to the question, “What should I cook tonight that everyone will actually eat?” It’s budget-friendly, super satisfying, and requires just one pot—hello easy cleanup. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

It also skips the fuss of traditional stuffed peppers. No need to pre-bake or stuff anything. Just toss, simmer, and serve.

What Kind of Peppers Should I Use?

You can use green, red, yellow, or even orange bell peppers for this recipe. Green peppers give a slightly bitter edge, while red and yellow ones add natural sweetness. Mix and match for a colorful and flavor-packed bowl. Avoid spicy varieties here—this dish is all about warm comfort, not heat.

---

Ingredients for the Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup

This soup gets its bold, classic flavors from simple pantry staples. Here’s what you need and why:

• Ground beef – Adds hearty, protein-rich flavor and makes the soup filling enough to serve as a full meal.
• Onion – A savory base that enhances the richness of the broth.
• Garlic – For aromatic depth that rounds out the tomato and beef notes.
• Bell peppers – The star of the show. Their sweetness balances the savory broth.
• Tomato paste – Boosts the umami and adds depth to the tomato base.
• Diced tomatoes – Create the saucy, slightly chunky broth we love.
• Beef broth – Adds richness and helps the flavors meld together.
• Italian seasoning – A balanced blend of herbs that brings everything together.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
• Orzo pasta – A fun, rice-shaped pasta that cooks right in the soup and soaks up all the flavor.

How To Make the Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onions and garlic to the beef and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add Peppers and Tomato Paste

Stir in the chopped bell peppers and tomato paste. Let them cook for a few minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Build the Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer and Add Orzo

Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Then stir in the orzo and cook until it’s tender, about 8-10 more minutes.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

Adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley or Parmesan if desired.

---

How to Serve and Store Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup

This recipe makes enough to serve about 6 people, and it’s fantastic as a main course with a simple green salad or crusty bread.

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze without the orzo (add fresh orzo when reheating for best texture).

What to Serve With Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup?

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for dunking into the rich broth.

Caesar Salad

Crisp and creamy, it balances the heartiness of the soup.

Roasted Veggies

A light veggie side like roasted carrots or zucchini rounds out the meal.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

If you’re serving kids (or kids-at-heart), this is the ultimate cozy combo.

Cornbread Muffins

Slightly sweet and crumbly—an unexpected but delicious match.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rice instead of orzo?
Yes! White rice or brown rice both work well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more broth since rice absorbs more liquid than orzo.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
It is—but for best texture, freeze without the orzo. When ready to eat, defrost and reheat the soup, then stir in cooked orzo or pasta before serving.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you’re loving the cozy comfort of this Stuffed Pepper Orzo Soup, you might want to check out these other delicious bowls:

• Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• A Hearty and Comforting Tuscan Bean Soup
• Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
• Hearty Black-Eyed Pea Soup
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Save This Pin For Later

Save this soup to your Pinterest dinner board so you can cozy up to it anytime. Whether you’re batch cooking for the week or just craving something hearty, this one’s a keeper.

Tried it? Let me know how it turned out. Did you go spicy? Add rice instead of orzo? I’m all ears in the comments. Your twist might inspire someone else!

Find more daily dishes over on Pinterest @NoraNoshRecipes.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: