Stuffed Pepper Soup

In a large skillet cook beef, onion, sweet peppers and garlic over medium heat until meat is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain off fat.

In a 4- to 5-quart slow cooker combine beef-vegetable mixture, broth, water, tomatoes, black pepper, chili powder and smoked paprika (see Tip).

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours. If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Stir in rice. Cover and cook for 30 minutes more or until heated through. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.