Cabbage Patch Stew

Prep :  20 minutes    Cook :   6 hours    Makes 8 servings

1           pound ground beef
1           cup chopped onion
2           celery ribs , chopped
11         cups coarsely chopped cabbage (about 2 pounds)
2           cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes
1           can (15 onuces) pinto beans , rinsed and drained
1           can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes  with green chilies
1/2        cup ketchup
1-1/2     teaspoons chili powder
1/2        teaspoon  dried oregano
1/2         teaspoon pepper
1/4        teaspoon salt
** Shredded cheddar cheese  and sour cream , optional

1.          In a large skillet , cook the beef  , onion and celery over medium heat until meat is no longer pink  and vegetables are tender ; drain.
2.         Transfer  to a 5-quart  slow cooker  . Stir in cabbage  , stewed tomatoes , beans , diced tomatoes , ketchup , chili powder , oregano , pepper and salt . Cover and cook on low  for 6 to 8 hours  or until cabbage is tender  . Serve with cheese  and sour cream if desired .

You can serve steaming  helping of this hearty stew  in old fashioned soup plates  with thick , slices of homemade bread . My family likes  homemade cornbread with their stew , it's good any way you like your bread .