• Brown 1 1/2 lbs. ground meat with 1 large chopped onion, 1 large clove garlic, (I used elephant garlic- it is large and mild flavored) and 4 bell peppers.

Quick and easy cooking with kids tip: When browning meat to avoid fat splattering or popping out of a skillet we use the microwave! I put the meat (and in this case the above chopped vegetables) in a microwave safe colander inside a pie plate. The pie plate catches the fat drippings and the meat cooks evenly. Each microwave's wattage will affect the length of time required. We set the cooking for 3 minutes then rotate the pink meat to the outside and the browning meat to the middle then if needed run it for another 3 minutes.

• Add 3 cans (or the equivalent of fresh) diced tomato, 1 can (or fresh) crushed tomato, 1 can of tomato paste, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp basil, some fresh parsley and 1 1/2 cups minute rice
• Simmer 30-45 minutes.
• If you do not have Italian seasoning you can make your own using equal amounts of : marjoram, savory, thyme, basil and oregano.
  
  
• We love brown rice so I cooked our rice before adding it to the soup. Also, I am a firm believer in tomato based dishes having time to "age" with their seasonings (ever make spaghetti and think it tastes better the second day??) so I made this the night before we were to eat it. Next morning all I have to do is put the crock pot on low.

Variations:

• If you don't mind a bit of kick to your food then add cayenne pepper- we did and loved the flavor!
• If you are using canned tomatoes there are variations (as seen in the picture) with garlic or italian seasoning that would minimize the need for adding spices!