Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, for a leaner option)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: While the meat is cooking, chop your bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In a large crock pot, combine the browned meat mixture with chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, beef broth, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
  4. Cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  5. Serve: Once cooking time is complete and flavors have melded together beautifully; give it a good stir before serving hot in bowls.
  6. Garnish: Top each bowl of soup with shredded cheese if desired and sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.