2 lbs lean ground beef, browned |
1 large sweet onion, chopped |
2 teaspoons minced garlic (from the jar) |
2 (15 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes (i used s&w ready cut diced with onion & green bell pepper) |
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce, i use prego traditional |
2 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice |
3 large green bell peppers, diced |
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans beef consomme |
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can beef broth |
2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar |
2 1/2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce |
1/2 teaspoon salt |
1/4 teaspoon black pepper |
2 cups v8 vegetable juice, as needed to bring the soup to desired consistency |
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded |
additional sharp cheddar cheese (optional) |