In a pot over medium heat, brown 1 lb ground beef. Season generously with salt and pepper. Once browned, blot excess grease with a paper towel to remove it from the pot.

To your crockpot, add 2 cups baby potatoes (sliced in half), 2 chopped carrots (or 1 cup baby carrots), 2 chopped celery stalks, ½ cup chopped onion, ¼ cup uncooked rice, 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 2 cups beef broth (or water), 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Stir everything together.

Add the browned ground beef to the crockpot. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and broth mixture.

Cover and cook on high for 1½ hours, then low for 6–8 hours, or until the vegetables and rice are tender.

Optional: Cook on low for 8–10 hours total if you’ll be out all day.