Slow-Cooked Beef and Rice Stew

This hearty crockpot recipe combines the essence of soul food with ground beef, making for a comforting, flavorful, and filling dish perfect for any day or season.

Ingredients

For the beef base:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

For the rice mix:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)

• 1 1/2 cups water or beef broth

• 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional, for color and texture)

For garnish:

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped or fresh spinach, whole leaf

Instructions

• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula, and cook until no pink remains. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.

• Add the diced onion, garlic, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.

• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to combine.

• Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

• About 1 hour before serving, stir in the uncooked rice, water (or additional broth), and frozen vegetables. Mix well, then cover and cook on high for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender.

• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let the stew sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

• Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, fresh spinach or green onions. Serve with cornbread or a side of greens for a complete soul food experience.

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Regina is a writer, homeschooling mom, and owner of a soul food catering business. She is the host of the Pray to Play podcast, where she shares practical tips and heartfelt advice for parents navigating the busy world of athletics. A contributor to several publications, including Tracie Miles' Living Unbroken book study, she is also an advocate for young adults with developmental disabilities and serves on the Compel Pro volunteer leadership team. Living in Ohio with her family, she designs Squarespace websites for fellow creatives and spends her free time cheering her sons from the sidelines or sipping tea while chatting with women about God’s goodness.