Campbell’s Pepper Pot Soup Recipe

When it comes to comforting, hearty, and satisfying meals, there’s something about a warm bowl of soup that simply hits the spot. For those days when you need something that fills you up and warms you from the inside out, Campbell’s Pepper Pot Soup is a timeless classic that can easily become a household favorite. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or simply in need of a cozy meal to unwind with, this flavorful, spicy, and nutrient-packed dish is the perfect choice.

What makes this soup so special? Well, for starters, Pepper Pot Soup isn’t just your average vegetable-based broth. It has a rich history, hailing from the early days of the United States, when it was a beloved dish in Philadelphia, and even further back to its origins in Caribbean cuisine. Campbell’s version, which brings this classic to a whole new level of deliciousness, combines a medley of ingredients with bold peppery flavors, offering a delightful balance between spice and savory goodness.

Let’s dive into the heart of this iconic dish-starting with the recipe and everything you need to create this mouthwatering Pepper Pot Soup right in your own kitchen!

Campbell’s Pepper Pot Soup Recipe

This Campbell’s Pepper Pot Soup recipe has been a staple in homes for generations, and for good reason. It’s an ideal meal to make when you want something quick, yet hearty, and it’s packed with flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Here’s a comprehensive look at how to make it, step by step.

Ingredients Needed

• Campbell’s® Condensed Pepper Pot Soup (of course!)
• Beef stew meat (cubed, typically about 1 lb)
• Onion (chopped, about 1 medium)
• Celery (diced, about 2 stalks)
• Carrots (diced, about 2 medium)
• Potatoes (peeled and cubed, about 2 medium)
• Garlic (minced, about 2 cloves)
• Beef broth (for extra depth, about 2 cups)
• Water (about 1 cup)
• Pepper (freshly ground, for that signature kick)
• Salt (to taste)
• Olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)

The heart of the recipe is Campbell’s condensed Pepper Pot Soup, which already has a solid base of flavorful peppers and spices. By adding fresh ingredients like beef, vegetables, and a bit of extra seasoning, you can elevate this soup into a filling meal.

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Beef: Start by heating a little bit of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the cubed beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. This step helps to lock in the rich, meaty flavors.
2. Add the Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped onion, diced celery, and carrots. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly and begin to release their aromatic scents.
3. Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic to the pot, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This helps to bring out the natural oils of the garlic, making the soup even more aromatic. Sprinkle in some salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and water, stirring to combine all the ingredients. This creates a rich base for the soup.
5. Simmer and Cook: Stir in the Campbell’s Condensed Pepper Pot Soup, making sure it’s fully incorporated. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Finish the Soup: Add the cubed potatoes and cook for another 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Serve: Once everything is cooked through and the soup is hot, ladle it into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you like. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious broth.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down the ingredients a bit further to understand what makes this soup so hearty and flavorful.

• Campbell’s Condensed Pepper Pot Soup: This is the secret ingredient that sets the tone for the entire dish. The condensed soup provides a robust, spiced broth that blends perfectly with the added vegetables and beef. It typically contains a blend of peppers, spices, and tangy seasonings, which gives the soup its signature kick.
• Beef stew meat: Tender beef cubes add a satisfying texture to the soup, infusing the broth with rich flavor as they cook.
• Onion, Celery, and Carrots: These vegetables add depth to the soup’s flavor profile. The onion brings sweetness and savory undertones, while the celery adds a subtle herbal note. Carrots offer a mild sweetness and a vibrant color.
• Potatoes: They help to thicken the soup and make it even more filling, acting as a perfect base for the hearty broth.
• Garlic: A key ingredient for bringing out deeper flavors, garlic adds a pungent kick that complements the soup’s spiciness.

Expert Tips

• Enhance the Flavor: If you want to give the soup an even deeper, richer flavor, try using bone broth instead of regular beef broth. Bone broth has an earthy, full-bodied taste that can elevate the soup even further.
• Control the Heat: If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to reduce the amount of pepper or even omit some of the peppers from the Campbell’s Pepper Pot Soup. Alternatively, if you like it spicier, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it a Meal: Add a handful of pasta or rice to make the soup even heartier. Or, for a healthier twist, you can try adding some leafy greens like kale or spinach toward the end of the cooking process.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything into the slow cooker along with the broth and soup. Let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the beef is tender.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Campbell’s Pepper Pot Soup is fantastic on its own, here are a few variations that you might want to try:

• Spicy Sausage Pepper Pot Soup: Replace the beef with spicy sausage links (either pork or turkey). The sausage adds a smoky and spicy layer to the soup that gives it a bit of a different twist.
• Vegetarian Pepper Pot Soup: For a vegetarian version, skip the meat altogether and add extra beans, such as chickpeas or kidney beans, for protein. You can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter base.
• Tomato-based Pepper Pot Soup: Add a can of crushed tomatoes to the soup for a tangy twist. This adds both acidity and sweetness, balancing out the spiciness of the pepper pot base.
• Corn and Bean Pepper Pot Soup: Add in a cup of sweet corn kernels and a can of black beans. These will lend a nice contrast in both flavor and texture, adding more substance to the dish.

Final Words

Campbell’s Pepper Pot Soup is more than just a comforting meal-it’s a hearty, flavorful journey through history. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick dinner or using it as the foundation for a more complex soup creation, it’s versatile enough to accommodate a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. It’s simple to make, yet packs an incredible depth of flavor with every spoonful. You don’t have to be a seasoned chef to make a dish that feels like home.