Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Brown the beef
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, then drain the fat.
- Transfer the drained beef to the same pot so you can build the soup base.
Sauté vegetables
- Sauté onion and all bell peppers for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add garlic and tomato paste, then cook for 2 minutes, stirring so the paste darkens a touch.
Simmer the soup
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add uncooked long grain white rice, cover, and simmer at a steady low boil for 18-20 minutes until the rice is cooked.
Finish and serve
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with shredded cheddar and fresh parsley on top.
Notes
For best texture, keep the rice at a gentle simmer once you cover the pot so it cooks through without turning mushy. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3-4 days; reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water if it thickens. Freezing is not recommended because the rice can soften further after thawing. For a lighter option, use lean ground beef or turkey while keeping the same seasoning balance.
