Ingredients
– 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small yellow onion, chopped
– 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 (14.5-ounce / 411 g) cans diced tomatoes
– 1 (15-ounce / 425 g) can tomato sauce
– 1 (14.5-ounce / 411 g) can beef broth
– 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh or dried parsley
– 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh or dried basil
– 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh or dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup uncooked long grain white or brown rice
– shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
First Step: Prepare Ingredients. Begin by finely chopping the onions, red and green bell peppers, and mincing the garlic cloves. This preparation mise en place helps the cooking process run smoothly and reduces active cooking time.
Second Step: Brown the Ground Beef. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook while breaking it up with a spoon until browned evenly, about 5 to 6 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside temporarily.
Third Step: SautΓ© the Vegetables. In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions and diced red and green bell peppers, sautΓ©ing over medium heat for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Fourth Step: Combine Ingredients and Simmer. Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth (or chicken broth for variation). Add half the parsley, basil, and oregano (or Italian seasoning). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Fifth Step: Cook the Rice. While the soup simmers, prepare the rice according to package instructions. Long grain white or jasmine rice works best to maintain texture. Avoid short grain or basmati rice to prevent the soup from becoming too thick or mushy.
Sixth Step: Add Rice and Finish Soup. When the soup is ready, stir the desired amount of cooked rice into the pot. You may add all or part of the rice depending on your preference for a thicker or lighter broth. If preferred, serve the rice separately to maintain its texture when reheating leftovers.
Final Step: Serve and Garnish. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining parsley for a fresh touch. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top for a creamy addition. Serve immediately for the best flavor and warmth.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
π₯© Use lean ground beef to reduce grease; if using higher fat beef, drain well after browning.
πΆοΈ For a spicier twist, add sausage or crushed red pepper flakes.
π² For a thicker soup, add all the rice; for a thinner broth, add less or serve rice separately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Simmering Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 286-374 kcal
- Sugar: 8-12 g
- Sodium: 733-769 mg
- Fat: 10-13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7-9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28-43 g
- Fiber: 3-5 g
- Protein: 20-22 g
- Cholesterol: 49 mg
