Savory Italian Sausage and Bell Pepper Soup with Rice

Ingredients

• 1 lb. hot Italian sausage (may substitute lean ground beef or turkey)
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes, no salt or seasonings added
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices
• 3/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups low sodium beef broth
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for serving