Cozy Stuffed Pepper Soup

Ingredients

- 6 servings +

• 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (85/15), or ground turkey
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 large bell peppers (1 green, 1 red), cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, for silky rich broth body
• 4 cups low-sodium beef bone broth, or chicken broth
• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked, rinsed (or 2 cups cooked rice)
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, thyme blend
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, for savory depth
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for melting on top
• 1 tsp kosher salt and black pepper, to taste