Are you short on time but craving a delicious and hearty dinner? This frozen ground beef crockpot recipe is your answer! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers a flavorful, satisfying meal every single time. No more stressing over what's for dinner – let your slow cooker do the work! This recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, all while being a surprisingly healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions:
-
Combine Ingredients: Place the frozen ground beef, onion, and garlic directly into your slow cooker. No need to thaw the beef! This is one of the major benefits of this recipe; it's all about convenience.
-
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, tomato soup, and beef broth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf (if using). Give everything a good mix to ensure even distribution of flavors.
-
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is cooked through and the flavors have melded beautifully. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef will become.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the bay leaf (if used). Serve this hearty stew over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results:
-
Don't Overcrowd Your Crockpot: While this recipe works well with frozen ground beef, avoid overcrowding your slow cooker. This could affect the cooking time and consistency of the dish.
-
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or a tablespoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
-
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
-
Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add these along with the onion and garlic.
-
Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
-
Make it a Chili: Add a can of kidney beans or pinto beans for a heartier, chili-like dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and specific ingredients used. Use a nutrition calculator for a more precise analysis. However, this dish is generally considered a relatively healthy option, providing protein from the ground beef and various nutrients from the vegetables and sauces. It’s a great example of healthy meals that are quick to prepare.
This frozen ground beef crockpot recipe is a testament to the power of simple, delicious homemade cooking. It’s a perfect example of how easy it can be to create satisfying and flavorful meals, even on the busiest of days. Enjoy!