Hello from frigid Wisconsin. On days like these, we prefer to wear pj’s all day, cuddle by the fireplace and make a big pot of all-day soup. Currently simmering: turkey chili – it’s a variation on this recipe but instead of ground beef, use 1ish lbs of ground turkey!
Earlier this week I test drove a new recipe for me. I am lucky enough to work from home on Thursdays so I try to always do a crock pot recipe or something I can watch while I’m working. It’s no surprise to those close to me that I’ve never loved bell peppers – I’m not sure if it’s the texture or flavor but something about them never quite hit the spot. I do however, love the idea of stuffed peppers – all those delicious ingredients stuff into a cute little vessel and topped with cheese… yum!
One of my goals for the new year is to live a braver lifestyle, so I decided to try out a recipe I’ve never made before. It reminds me of something my dad use to make for us when we were little – it was called gorp, and my family is split on their feelings towards it. I am personally in the I ❤ gorp camp so this recipe feels a little like home.
What You Need
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (we used the lean stuff – 90/10)
- 4 stalks celery
- 1 medium onion
- 2 green bell peppers
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 beef bouillon cubes + 5 cups water
- S+P to taste
Brown your beef on the stove and make sure to drain off the excess fat. While it’s browning, chop up your onion, celery and peppers. And drumroll….here’s where it gets easy – dump everything in a crock pot: your meat, veggies and spices, and cook on low for 8 hours. I stirred probably every 2 hours or so.
The only thing I would possibly change next time is to keep the rice out until maybe the last hour or so, it got a little mushy but it made the soup very thick. Also – spoiler alert: I loved the peppers. This is a perfect addition to my soup arsenal, and Dane even loved it.
p.s. notice above I didn’t say New Years Resolution – rather than resolve to do things, I’ve set some pretty good goals for myself. I wrote about them over on Lake Country Family Fun – check it out!
p.p.s. This recipe makes about 6 servings, and is just 286 calories per serving. Because of the rice, it’s incredibly filling and makes for a healthful, delicious meal!
Staying Martha 