Cabbage Patch Stew ..............slow cooker

Prep : 20 minutes     Cook : 6 hours    Makes 8 servings

1 ...............pound ground beef
1 ...............cup chopped onion
2 ...............celery ribs , chopped
11 .............cups coarsely chopped cabbage (about 2 pounds)
2 ...............cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes
1 ...............can (15 ounces) pinto beans  , rinsed and drained
1 ...............can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes  with green chilies
1/2 ............cup ketchup
2 ...............teaspoons chili powder
1/2 ............teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 ............teaspoon pepper
1/4 ............teaspoon salt
*****Shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream , optional **

1 .     In a large skillet , cook the beef  , onion and celery  over medium heat  until meat is no longer pink  and vegetables  are tender ; drain .
2 .     Transfer to a 5-quart slow cooker  . Stir in the cabbage , stewed tomatoes , beans  , diced tomatoes  , ketchup  , chili powser  , oregano , pepper and salt . Cover and cook  on low  for 6 to 8 hours  or until  cabbage is tender  . Serve with cheese  and sour cream  if desired .

Serve helpings of this steaming hearty stew  in old fashion soup plates  with thick  , crusty slices  of home made bread . For a quicker  prep , substitute  coleslaw mix  for the chopped cabbage .
Heart healthy