Slow-Cooker Beef and Red Beans

• 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
• 2 cups Chicken Broth (page 50) or commercial fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 15.5-ounce can no-salt-added red beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 14.5-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup water and
• 1 2/3 cups water, divided use
• 2 medium ribs of celery, chopped
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons imitation bacon bits
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked instant brown rice
• 1 teaspoon salt-free all-purpose seasoning blend

1. In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium-high heat for 7 to 8 minutes, or until browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center, stirring frequently to turn and break up the beef.
2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker.
3. Stir in the broth, beans, tomatoes with liquid, 1 cup water, the celery, onion, bell pepper, bacon bits, thyme, garlic, pepper, and cayenne.
4. Cook, covered, on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours.
5. Prepare the rice using the remaining 1 2/3 cups water (this may differ from the package directions) and the seasoning blend, omitting the salt and margarine.
6. Serve topped with the beef mixture.
7. If you prefer to cook the rice in the slow cooker, stir it in 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time (on high or low setting).
8. If using this method, be sure to add the 1 2/3 cups water and the seasoning blend to the slow cooker when you add the beef, beans, and vegetables.
9. Youll save on washing an extra pan, but the presentation wont be quite as attractive.
10. (Per serving)
11. Calories: 275
12. Total fat: 5.5g
13. Saturated: 1.5g
14. Trans: 0.0g
15. Polyunsaturated: 0.5g
16. Monounsaturated: 2.0g
17. Cholesterol: 42mg
18. Sodium: 156mg
19. Carbohydrates: 33g
20. Fiber: 5g
21. Sugars: 3g
22. Protein: 24g
23. Calcium: 65mg
24. Potassium: 596mg
25. 2 starch
26. 1 vegetable
27. 2 1/2 lean meat

extralean ground beef, chicken broth, salt, salt, water, water, celery, onion, green bell pepper, bacon bits, thyme, garlic, pepper, cayenne, brown rice, salt

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/slow-cooker-beef-and-red-beans-392079 (may not work)