Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Sauté the Base
- Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s translucent and smells heavenly. Add minced garlic and stir for an additional minute.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Push the onions to the side and add the ground beef to the pot. Season it generously with salt and pepper. Brown the meat for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Peppers
- Once the meat is browned, add the chopped red and green bell peppers to the pot. Stir everything together and let them soften slightly—about 3 minutes will do.
Step 4: Combine the Liquids
- Now, it’s time to mix in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef stock, and tomato purée. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Season It Up
- Sprinkle in your smoked paprika, dried basil, and oregano. Let the aromatic spices mingle within the soup. Give everything a good stir.
Step 6: Add Rice and Simmer
- Stir in the uncooked rice, then reduce the heat to low. Cover your pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Once the rice is tender, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the fresh parsley for that extra pop of flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with grated cheese if you fancy. Garnish it with a sprinkle of additional parsley. Dive in and savor every bite!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly chopped peppers and herbs make a world of difference. They add vibrancy and depth to the flavors.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Let the soup simmer to allow the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully.
- Try Different Proteins: Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for beef. They offer a lighter option while keeping things tasty.
- Cooked Rice Alternative: If you have leftover rice, add it in the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through without becoming mushy.
- Batch Cooking: This soup freezes well. Make a double batch and save half for later. Just store it in an airtight container.
