Stuffed Pepper Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 lb

lean ground beef

2 tbsp

olive oil (, divided)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

small yellow onion chopped ((1 cup))

3/4 cup

chopped red bell pepper ((a little over 1/2 of a medium))

3/4 cup

chopped green bell pepper

2 cloves

garlic (, minced)

2 14.5 ounce cans

petite diced tomatoes

1 15 ounce can

tomato sauce

(14.5) can beef broth

2 1/2 tbsp

chopped fresh parsley (, plus more for garnish)

1/2 tsp

dried basil

1/4 tsp

dried oregano

1 cup

uncooked long grain white or brown rice ((I've tried and like both))

Cheddar or mozzarella cheese (, for serving (optional))