Crockpot Spicy Bean Soup

This is one of those recipes invented in the midst of scarcity. My pantry is always stocked with a variety of beans, broths and all types of tomato (sauces, diced, pureed) which always come in handy, especially when I'm low on ideas and food! So when I had a thawed 1/2 pound of beef in my fridge, behold this soup! My whole family loved it and it didn't take long before it was completely devoured. It's packed with flavor, and very healthy.

Ingredients

1/2lb-1lb ground beef or turkey

1 minced onion

4-5 stalks celery, chopped

2 cups diced carrots

2 15-oz cans chili beans, pinto beans or kidney beans (whatever you like really), drained and rinsed

2 15-oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (if you don't like spicy foods, just use regular diced tomatoes)

2 cups beef, chicken or veggie broth (mine was a combination of all of them, because it's what I had in my fridge!)

1 TB garlic salt

1 TB parsley

1 TB dried oregano

1 TB cumin

1 tsp black pepper

1-2 TB chili powder

Directions

1. Brown beef or turkey and onions in a large nonstick skillet over med heat. Add carrots and celery and cook until just wilted. Place in a slow cooker.

2. Add remaining ingredients, stir to combine.

3. Cover. Cook on low 6-8 hours.

4. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers and shredded cheddar cheese.