Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup uncooked rice or barley
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 5 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
  3. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
  6. Add rice or barley, reduce heat, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until tender.
  7. Stir occasionally and add more broth if the soup becomes too thick.
  8. Add fresh parsley and adjust the seasoning.

Serving

Serve warm in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy this comforting, hearty soup with crusty bread or warm homemade flatbread!