Ground Beef (or pork) and Bean Soup (CROCKPOT)

1 1/2 pounds ground beef or ground pork

1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup) or 4 tablespoons of dried onion flakes

2 cloves garlic, minced or 2-4 tablespoons of ground garlic

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Tomato Soup (UNDILUTED)

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

1/2 cup water

2 cans (about 15 ounces each) red kidney beans, drained

1/4 cup chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1.Cook the beef or pork in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat.

2.Stir the beef or pork with the onion, garlic, soup, tomatoes, water, beans, chili powder and cumin in a 3 1/2-quart slow cooker.

3.Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours.

Serve with saltine crackers and slices of cheddar or monterey jack cheese.

VLE-B