Stuffed Pepper Soup

 

Olive oil or butter, for sautéing

1 pound ground beef

1 yellow onion, diced

2 bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes (undrained)

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

2 cups beef or chicken broth

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/2 cup white or brown rice, uncooked

Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped fresh parsley, sour cream

 

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside. In the same pot, add a bit more oil or butter if needed. Cook the onion and bell peppers until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Return the beef to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 25-30 minutes. While the soup simmers, prepare the rice according to the instructions on the package. Once the soup is finished, stir the cooked rice into the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with shredded cheese, parsley, and sour cream, if desired.