Hearty Ground Beef, Tomato & Bell Pepper Soup

 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 cup cooked rice, optional
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

 Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add vegetables: Add onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Build the flavor: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, oregano, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in chopped tomatoes, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This type of ground-beef tomato soup commonly uses peppers, tomatoes and broth with a short simmer to bring the flavors together.
7. Add rice: If using cooked rice, stir it in during the last 5 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

 Nutrition Info

Approx. per serving, without rice:

• Calories: 330–380 kcal
• Protein: 23–27 g
• Carbohydrates: 25–30 g
• Fat: 15–19 g
• Fiber: 5–7 g

With 1 cup cooked rice added to the whole pot: approximately 360–420 kcal per serving.

 Nut / Allergen Info

• Peanuts: None
• Tree nuts: None
• Dairy: None
• Eggs: None
• Gluten: Naturally gluten-free, but check the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
• Soy: Check Worcestershire sauce and packaged broth.

Q/S — Questions & Answers

Q: Can I make this without rice?
Yes. It is delicious as a low-carb beef and vegetable soup without rice.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Carrots, celery, corn, green beans or zucchini work well.

Q: How can I make it spicy?
Add extra red pepper flakes, cayenne or diced jalapeño.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to about 3 months. If using rice, the texture is usually better when fresh rice is added after thawing and reheating.

Q: How do I make it thicker?
Simmer uncovered longer, or add a little more tomato paste.