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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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