1 lb ground beef

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup milk

1 large egg

3 cloves garlic minced

1/4 cup onion finely chopped

2 tbsp parsley chopped

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp Parmesan cheese optional

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion sliced

1 green bell pepper chopped

1 red bell pepper chopped

2 celery stalks chopped

3 cloves garlic minced

2 tbsp tomato paste

14.5 oz diced tomatoes

4 cups beef broth

1 cup water

2 medium potatoes diced

1 cup carrots sliced

1 cup zucchini or okra sliced

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional

1 bay leaf

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup cooked rice optional

2 tbsp parsley chopped for garnish

2 green onions sliced