Beefy Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:
1 to 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cans 8 oz each tomato sauce
2 cans 16 oz each kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
1 package 10 oz frozen corn
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 cup chopped fresh tomato
1 tablespoon chili powder
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips (optional)

Directions:
In a skillet, cook beef, onion and the garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain all grease from the mixture.
Transfer meat mixture to a slow cooker.  Add the tomato sauce, optional kidney beans, vegetables and seasonings; mix well.
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until thick and bubbly, stirring occasionally.
Serve with cheese, sour cream and chips if desired.
This delicious savory soup would also be excellent with fresh hot bread.
Serves 8-10
This can be frozen and reheated nicely later.