Slow Cooker Hoppin' John Chowder

I have seen the name Hoppin' John recipes everyyear but never did anything about it. So this year I decided to make it. When researching to find out about this soup I discovered it can be made with sausage or ham. This should be eaten at midnight. The person who finds a coin in their bowl receives good luck in the new year. We enjoyed this recipe and my husbands brother and sisters had not tried it before. I cooked it on top of the stove and it worked out great.

1 1/2 cups instant white rice
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup chopped onion
3 (15.5 oz) cans black-eyed peas with liquid
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed beef broth
2 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
1/2 cup water, or as needed

Prepare rice according to package instructions and set aside. Meanwhile, combine the ground beef, green pepper and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently and crumbling beef until no longer pink. Drain off grease. Place the rice and beef mixture into a 5 quart slow cooker. Add the black-eyed peas, beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies and enough water to cover everything. Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours.

Memories

Christmas 1961
This is my younger brother and myself sitting on Santa (my Dad)'s lap.