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Slow Cooker Macaroni, Hamburger, And Tomato Casserole
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Why all the fuss when you can make a meal out of macaroni? Got a picky eater? Challenge accepted. All kids love macaroni. Just mix some hamburger meat and tomatoes and you have a meal that your kids will devour.
serves/makes:
ready in:
2-5 hrs
2-5 hrs
ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cans (15 ounce size) diced tomatoes
1 cup tomato juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder, optional
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring, until the beef is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Combine the meat mixture, tomatoes, tomato juice, salt, pepper, oregano, and chili powder. Mix well.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours.
Stir in the uncooked macaroni. Turn the crock pot to high. Cover the crock pot and cook for 1 more hour or until the pasta is tender. Stir before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
crock pot notes
Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.recipe tips
For added flavor, brown the ground beef with a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce.
To make it a one-pot meal, you can add frozen peas or mixed vegetables along with the macaroni.
If the dish becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, cook until just tender and avoid overcooking.
For a cheesy variation, stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese before serving.
Try adding a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans for added fiber.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking time.
common recipe questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe, though the flavor may be slightly different. You can also use ground chicken, pork, or a plant-based substitute.
What can I substitute for tomato juice?
You can substitute with beef or vegetable broth, tomato sauce, or even water mixed with a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Do I have to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Browning the ground beef with onion and garlic adds flavor to the dish. It also helps render out excess fat for a less greasy dinner.
Can I add other seasonings or herbs?
Customize the seasonings to your taste preferences. Consider adding herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley for added flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, increase the amount of chili powder used in the recipe. You can also add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
Should I stir the dish while it's cooking in the slow cooker?
It's important to stir the dish occasionally, especially after adding the macaroni, to make sure it's cooking evenly and to prevent sticking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can brown the ground beef and mix the ingredients together the night before, then refrigerate the mixture in the slow cooker crock. Cook as directed when ready to eat.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
nutrition data
770 calories, 48 grams fat, 36 grams carbohydrates, 46 grams protein per serving.
Got leftovers? We've got recipes. 18 delicious recipes using cooked chicken (plus 9 bonus recipes!)
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.
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