The recipe below takes a different approach to the slow cooker dinner. Rather than mixing everything up into a single stew, there are six layers of creamy goodness that could practically stand on their own as a single dish. What you're left with when you spoon yourself out a portion is a six-course meal in every bite!
This recipe can easily be customized to individual taste preference. If you want to make it healthier, substitute potatoes with sweet potatoes and add in a layer of vegetables like zucchini. If you prefer a more rich meal, drop the basil, tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, and garlic. Instead, add a can of cream of celery soup on the top layer instead. This changes the flavor profile away from tomato-baesd to a more cream-based dish.
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6-layer dinner
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 pound of your favorite potato, thinly sliced (we used sweet potatoes)
3 medium-sized tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 bunch fresh basil, roughly chopped
7 cloves garlic, minced into a paste
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
Pepper to taste
2 cups zucchini, thinly sliced (optional)
2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 pound of your favorite potato, thinly sliced (we used sweet potatoes)
3 medium-sized tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 bunch fresh basil, roughly chopped
7 cloves garlic, minced into a paste
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
Pepper to taste
2 cups zucchini, thinly sliced (optional)
Directions
1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, add in ground beef, tomato paste, garlic, 1½ teaspoon of salt, and pepper.
1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, add in ground beef, tomato paste, garlic, 1½ teaspoon of salt, and pepper.
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Mix well so that tomato paste is fully incorporated into the meat. Even out the top with a spoon.
2. Layer by layer: Top with onions.
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Top with tomato. Top with basil.
3. Layer on potato.
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Layer on zucchini, if you want to add in more vegetables to the dish. Sprinkle on the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Drizzle olive oil on top. Cook on high for 3 hours.
5. Remove pot from base. Allow to cool with lid partially open for 5-10 minutes. Serve.
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