Brown the Meat and Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.

Sauté Garlic and Bell Peppers: Mix in minced garlic and diced bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until fragrant and peppers are softened.

Season the Mixture: Stir in Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix well, about 1 minute.

Add the Sauce Ingredients: Incorporate tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil, about 2-3 minutes.

Mix in the Rice: Add uncooked rice. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, adjusting liquid level as necessary.

Melt the Cheese: Remove from heat and mix in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Finish Baking Optionally: Transfer to a casserole dish and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly, or serve directly from the stovetop.

Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.