Slow Cooker Savory Beef and Veggie Medley

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 8 hours
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a warm, comforting dish that brings out the best of hearty flavors: Slow Cooker Savory Beef and Veggie Medley. This recipe combines the ease of a slow cooker with the rich, savory goodness of ground beef and fresh vegetables. Perfect for cozy evenings or busy weekdays, this dish is a must-try!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Savory Beef and Veggie Medley

Ground beef provides the hearty base for this dish, offering richness and protein. Onion and garlic add depth and aroma, while red and green bell peppers bring a touch of sweetness and color. Diced tomatoes offer acidity that balances flavors beautifully. The beef broth enhances the savory notes, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle umami kick. Paprika and thyme lend warmth and earthiness, complemented by salt and black pepper for seasoning. Finally, frozen peas and baby carrots contribute texture and a hint of sweetness, rounding out the medley.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you have time, let the cooked beef cool slightly before draining the fat; it makes the process easier.
  • Using fresh herbs like thyme instead of dried can add a nice pop of flavor if you have them on hand.
  • For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch for future meals.

Serving Suggestions

This medley pairs perfectly with a side of steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of quinoa or with crusty bread on the side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives if you're looking to lighten the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar for a similar umami effect.

Slow Cooker Savory Beef and Veggie Medley Recipe Walkthrough

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. You want it fully cooked and nicely browned, which adds a deeper flavor to the final dish. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.

Next, toss in the onions and garlic right into that same skillet. Sauté them just until they release their aroma, which shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes. This step builds the flavor base.

Transfer the beef mixture over to your slow cooker. Now, it's time to add the stars of the show: chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, beef broth, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle in the paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine.

Set your slow cooker to low, cover it up, and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. This low-and-slow method allows the flavors to meld wonderfully, making your home smell amazing!

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the frozen peas and baby carrots. They don’t need as long to cook and adding them at the end keeps them from turning mushy. Stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Convenient slow cooker method — minimal hands-on time.
  • Rich, savory flavors that develop beautifully over hours.
  • Loaded with nutritious vegetables.
  • Flexible serving options — pairs well with rice, pasta, or bread.
  • Family-friendly and great for leftovers.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cups diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup frozen peas
2 cups baby carrots

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
2. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.
4. Add the chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
5. Stir everything to combine, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until vegetables are tender.
6. In the last 30 minutes, add the frozen peas and baby carrots.
7. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning as needed.

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