Ingredients and Weight:
- Ground beef: 500 grams
- Onion: 1 large, chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, crushed
- Dried oregano: 1 tablespoon
- Dried basil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons (to balance acidity)
- Tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes: 1-2 cans (28 oz each)
- Water or chicken broth: 3-4 cups
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 4-6 hours in a slow cooker
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker.
- Add the chopped carrots, celery, and crushed garlic.
- Sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, and sugar.
- Pour in the tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes and fill with water or chicken broth to about three quarters of the slow cooker's capacity.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the flavors are well-blended and the sauce is rich and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve over pasta or as a stand-alone sauce for meat dishes.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving (depending on the amount of meat used and other factors)
Fat: Moderate (mostly from the meat)
Carbohydrates: From the tomato sauce and pasta (if served with pasta)
Protein: High due to the meat content
Fiber: Good source due to the vegetables
Dish Characteristics:
- Hearty and rich flavor due to slow cooking.
- Perfect for colder weather or as a hearty appetizer for larger gatherings.
- Customizable – add mushrooms, olives, or other flavors to suit your preference.
- Can be made ahead of time and reheated later without losing flavor.
User Comments:
- "This sauce was amazing! So rich and flavorful, I couldn't believe how easy it was to make in a slow cooker." – John Smith
- "I added some bell peppers and olives for a more Italian flavor – turned out great!" – Sarah Johnson
- "This is a great dish for a family gathering or potluck dinner – everyone loved it!" – Michael Davis
- "I served this over pasta with some grilled chicken – perfect meal for a chilly evening." – Emily Brown
- "I made this for my family on a Sunday afternoon and it was still great the next day – great for leftovers!" – David Thompson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to your preference – add more salt or sugar if needed.
- This sauce can be customized with various vegetables or other ingredients like olives or bell peppers for a more diverse flavor profile.
- Be sure to use a slow cooker that is appropriately sized for the amount of ingredients you are using to ensure even cooking.
