Crockpot Spanish Rice Recipe

A great side dish with any meal! I usually just eat this as a whole meal, add some garlic bread, a salad loaded with beans and vegetables, a good Chianti wine and I'm good to go!

2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
2 cloves finely minced garlic
1 green pepper, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce (I have also used hot salsa in it's place)

1 1/4 cups water(or use chicken broth if you have some on hand)
1/4 cup red wine or sherry ( this is optional if you don't want to use wine add more broth)
2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, black pepper, basil and oregano

pinch of cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 cups converted raw rice

3 stalks celery, finely chopped

grated colby or cheddar cheese (optional)

Brown beef in skillet and drain off fat. Put all ingredients in slow cooker, except cheese. Mix well. Cover and cook on low for 6  hours or on high for 3 hours add more liquid if rice starts to absorb too much water or broth just to moisten. Around 30 minutes before cooking time is done, sprinkle cheese on top.