Stuffed Pepper Soup

My family loves soup.   I make many different types.   This is very good.  It's a thicker soup, kind of like a chili.

STUFFED PEPPER SOUP

(serves 6)

Ingredients:

*1 pound ground sirloin

*1/2 green pepper, chopped

*1/2 red pepper, chopped

*1 medium onion, finely chopped

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes (I can my own tomatoes and use a quart size)

*1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

*2 cups chicken stock

*1/4 teaspoon thyme

*1/4 teaspoon sage

*1 teaspoon italian seasoning

*1 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon pepper

*1 cup white rice

*2 cups water

*2 cups cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions:

~In a large dutch oven or large stock pot brown ground sirloin.

~Drain fat.

~Add red & green peppers, onion & garlic.

~Cook until onion is translucent.

~Add tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, thyme, sage, italian seasoning, salt & pepper.

~Cover & simmer for about 45 minutes, until peppers are tender.

~In another saucepan, add 2 cups water & 1 cup rice. (I do this during the last 25 minutes of the soup simmering)

~Cover and bring water to a boil, over medium-high heat.

~Once water comes to a boil, reduce heat to low, keep covered and simmer for 20 minutes.

~Once rice is done, fluff with a fork.

~Add rice to soup, and serve.

~Top with cheese if desired.

Instant Pot Directions:

~Set instant pot to sauté mode.

~Sauté ground sirloin,  red peppers, green peppers, onions, and garlic, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.

~Drain fat.

~Add tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, thyme, sage, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

~Place lid on pot and set valve to seal.

~Pressure cook for 15 minutes. 

~Quick release.

~Stir in cooked rice.

~Top with cheese if desired.