Are you craving a hearty, delicious meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This slow cooker recipe with ground beef and noodles is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It's a comforting classic, elevated with simple techniques and flavorful ingredients, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. This recipe delivers a quick dinner idea that's perfect for homemade cooking, showcasing the best recipes without any fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. This step adds depth of flavor to your dish.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the noodles are tender.
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Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, stir in the egg noodles. Make sure the noodles are fully submerged in the sauce.
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Serve: Once the noodles are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, serve hot. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor. Adding them with the onions will ensure they are cooked through.
- Use different noodles: Feel free to experiment with other types of pasta, such as rotini, penne, or even gluten-free noodles.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This slow cooker ground beef and noodle recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a comforting meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights, and the variations allow for endless customization to suit your preferences. Enjoy!