1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 cup water
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup diced zucchini
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Shredded mozzarella cheese, optional
Recipe
In a large skillet, cook beef and sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Meanwhile, in a 3-qt. slow cooker, combine the tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, red pepper, water, celery, broth, chili powder, Italian seasoning, sugar, garlic and salt.
Drain beef mixture; add to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until vegetables are tender.
Add the beans, mushrooms, zucchini and parsley. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Serve with cheese if desired. Yield: 6 servings.