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EXPRESS PREP
Beef & Black Bean Soup

I lead a busy life, so I’m always trying to come up with time-saving recipes. This zippy and colorful soup is one of my husband’s favorites. It has been a hit at family gatherings, too.

—VICKIE GIBSON GARDENDALE, AL



PREP: 10 MIN. COOK: 6 HOURS MAKES: 10 SERVINGS (2 1/2 QUARTS)


1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) chicken broth

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

8 green onions, thinly sliced

3 medium carrots, thinly sliced

2 celery ribs, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoons dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cups cooked rice

In a skillet over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink; drain. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Add the next 12 ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low; cook for 4-5 hours or until vegetables are tender. Add the beans and rice; cook 1 hour longer or until heated through.