Are you looking for effortless and flavorful dinner solutions? Look no further! Crock-Pot cooking is your secret weapon for busy weeknights, and ground beef is incredibly versatile. This recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen! This easy crock-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and healthy. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its best.
Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Vegetable Stew
This recipe is a simple and healthy take on a classic stew, perfect for a chilly evening. It’s packed with vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. This step adds depth of flavor to your stew.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Stir in peas (optional): During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.
- Serve: Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground chuck.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as potatoes, zucchini, or green beans.
- If you want a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For a spicier stew, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Variations:
- Taco Stew: Add 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1/2 cup of chopped green chilies, and shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
- Italian Stew: Add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a splash of red wine. Top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Hearty Beef and Bean Stew: Add 1 (15 ounce) can of kidney beans or pinto beans along with the other ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: Approximately 25g
- Fat: Approximately 18g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15g
This easy crock-pot recipe is perfect for meal prepping. It tastes even better the next day! Enjoy this delicious and satisfying ground beef stew – a true testament to the ease and deliciousness of homemade cooking and one of the best recipes you can make in your slow cooker. It’s a quick dinner idea that's also a fantastic healthy meal option. This recipe is among the top food recipes for its simplicity and flavor.