Ingredients and Weight:
- Ground Beef - 1 pound (454g)
- Spaghetti Sauce Mix - 2 packets (according to packet instructions for desired quantity)
- Carrots - 1 cup (240ml, chopped)
- Onion - 1 large, chopped
- Green Bell Peppers - 1 cup (240ml, chopped)
- Mushrooms - 1 cup (240ml, sliced)
- Black Olives - ½ cup (120ml)
- Garlic - 3 cloves, crushed
- Italian Seasoning - 2 teaspoons
- Water or Beef Stock - as needed for desired consistency
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 4-6 hours (slow cooker)
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except water or stock.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker.
- Add enough water or beef stock to just cover the contents of the slow cooker.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the sauce is thick and flavors are well combined.
- Serve over spaghetti or any other pasta of your choice.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on added ingredients and pasta serving size)
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g (including saturated fat)
- Fiber: 5-7g (depending on vegetables used)
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and flavorful sauce with a slow-cooked, home-style taste.
- Can be customized with additional vegetables or meats for a more robust flavor or texture.
- Perfect for a family meal or for meal prep as it can be easily doubled or tripled and frozen for later use.
User Comments:
- "This sauce is amazing! The flavors really develop over the slow cooking process and it's so comforting." - John Doe, New York
- "I love how easy this recipe is to make in a slow cooker. It's perfect for a busy weeknight." - Jane Smith, California
- "I added some sausage and pepperoni for extra flavor, my family loved it!" - Michael Johnson, Texas
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use a slow cooker with a tight-fitting lid to ensure the sauce doesn't evaporate too much during cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning as per taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- If you want a thicker sauce, cook it for a longer time or add a paste made of flour and water towards the end of the cooking process.
