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Brown ground beef before putting in slow cooker. With just 15 mins of prep, make the most delicious meal

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    Introduction
    One of the best things about cooking with a slow cooker is the simplicity and delicious taste that comes out in the end. But to get the most out of this handy appliance, there is one small but crucial step: browning the ground meat before putting it in the slow cooker. This technique ensures that the meat has more flavor and texture and the end result is even tastier. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can create a hearty, flavorful meal that is both nutritious and filling.

    Ingredients:
    500g ground meat (beef or mixed)
    1 onion, diced
    2 garlic cloves, minced
    1 tbsp olive oil
    1 tsp paprika (sweet or hot, depending on preference)
    1 tsp salt
    ½ tsp pepper
    1 tsp dried oregano or basil
    1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
    200ml stock (vegetable or beef)
    1 tsp sugar (optional to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
    1 red bell pepper, diced (optional for more veggies)
    1 carrot, diced (optional for extra sweetness)
    Directions:
    Fry the ground meat: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground meat and fry until fully browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks so it breaks up into small pieces. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

    Add onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the ground beef in the pan. Sauté everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant.

    Season: Sprinkle the paprika, salt, pepper and dried herbs into the pan. Mix well so that the seasonings are evenly distributed.

    Add to the slow cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker with the onions and garlic. Add the chopped tomatoes, stock and sugar. If you want, you can also add the diced bell pepper and carrot to add even more flavor and nutrients.

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    Slow cook: Set the slow cooker to “Low” and let the dish cook for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, you can set it to “High” for 3-4 hours. Check occasionally to see if the consistency is to your liking.

    Seasoning and serving: Before serving, taste again and adjust seasoning if necessary. The minced meat dish is now perfectly seasoned and ready to be enjoyed.

    Serving and Storage Tips:
    Serving: This minced meat dish is great served with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes or fresh bread. For a lighter version, you can also combine it with a green salad.
    Storage: If you have leftovers, you can store the dish in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. It also freezes well – store it in a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months.

    Variations:

    Vegetarian: Replace the ground meat with plant-based mince, such as soy or pea protein. For more flavor, you can add additional vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant or mushrooms.

    Spicier: Add 1-2 fresh chili peppers or some chili flakes to give the dish a spicy note.

    With beans: For a heartier meal, you can add a can of red beans or kidney beans at the end, which will blend perfectly with the flavors.

    FAQs:
    1. Do I need to brown the ground meat before putting it in the slow cooker?

    Although searing is not mandatory, it greatly improves the flavor of the dish as it gives the meat a nice, caramelized finish. This adds more depth to the flavor.

    2. Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?

    Yes, if you are using a pressure cooker, you can also sear the ground meat and then add the other ingredients. Cook the dish under pressure for about 30-40 minutes. Be sure to add enough liquid as the pressure cooker evaporates less than a slow cooker.

    3. Can I adapt this recipe for a larger group?

    Yes, you can double or triple the ingredients as desired to make more servings. Make sure the slow cooker has enough space for all the ingredients to cook well.

    4. What can I do if the dish becomes too runny?

    If the dish is too runny, you can remove the lid of the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch in a little cold water and stir it into the dish to thicken it.

    This simple yet delicious slow cooker ground beef recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to make a hot meal with minimal effort. Give it a try and enjoy the flavors that the slow cooker brings!

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