The Working Girl'S Crock-Pot Beef Mix
A versatile slow cooker beef mixture with rich tomato and onion flavors, perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or casseroles, ideal for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the crock-pot before work.
- Turn on low and simmer for 8 to 10 hours.
- When you come home, decide whether to serve on hamburger buns, in taco shells, or make a casserole with it.
- Use your imagination to create different dishes with this versatile beef mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey. You can also swap catsup with barbecue sauce for a different taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Remember to drain excess fat if using higher-fat ground beef to keep the dish lighter.
Serving Suggestions
This beef mixture is incredibly versatile. Serve it on hamburger buns for a classic sloppy joes experience, or spoon it into taco shells for a fun twist. It also works well as a filling for a casserole, like a variation of Meat Loaf With Pimiento. Pair with a simple salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Working Girl'S Crock-Pot Beef Mix contains roughly 136 calories, with 7g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1350mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While lean ground beef is recommended, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time if using a different type of meat to ensure it's thoroughly cooked.
What can I do if I don't have tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes. You can also blend a can of diced tomatoes to create a smoother texture. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the flavor balance.
Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can enhance the spice level by adding ingredients like diced green chilies, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or some sriracha sauce. Adjust the amount to your taste preference for a delicious kick that complements the beef.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).