If you’re looking for a flavorful, low-calorie dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep, Weight Watchers Stuffed Pepper Soup is a must-try. It’s loaded with nutritious ingredients, packed with bold flavors, and fits seamlessly into a balanced diet. This recipe makes 8 servings, so it’s ideal for feeding the family or storing leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
1. Weight Watchers Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 3 cups chopped bell peppers (approximately 4 bell peppers)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- ½ cup dry short-grain brown rice, rinsed
Instructions
Cook the Meat: In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften slightly.
Add Liquids & Seasoning: Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and black pepper. Mix everything together well.
Incorporate Rice: Add the rinsed brown rice to the pot and stir.
Simmer Until Ready: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal.
2. Tips to Perfect Stuffed Pepper Soup
This Weight Watchers Stuffed Pepper Soup is already simple to prepare, but a few extra tips can help you elevate the dish:
Choose the Right Peppers: Use a mix of green, red, and yellow bell peppers for a balance of sweetness and color.
Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly. For a thinner soup, add a bit more water or broth as it cooks.
Pre-Cook the Rice: To save time, you can use pre-cooked or leftover brown rice instead of adding it raw to the pot. Stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking to heat it through.
Add Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or chopped spinach.
Season to Taste: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with more oregano, black pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried oregano works wonderfully, adding fresh parsley or basil as a garnish can bring an extra layer of flavor and freshness to the dish.
3. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
One of the best things about this soup is how well it stores. Here’s how to keep it fresh and ready for later:
Refrigerating Leftovers: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage: This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into individual freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval.
Weight Watchers Stuffed Pepper Soup is an easy, healthy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and hearty brown rice, it’s a comforting dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Give it a try, and you’ll have a nutritious, crowd-pleasing meal that fits perfectly into your health goals!