Indulge in Comfort: Crockpot Kitchen Sink Casserole
Are you craving a warm and hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients? Look no further than our Crockpot Kitchen Sink Casserole! This comforting dish is the perfect way to bring together a variety of ingredients for a satisfying meal that will please the whole family. From tender potatoes to savory ground beef, this casserole has it all. Join us as we dive into the delicious world of slow-cooked comfort food with this irresistible recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 4 medium red potatoes, washed and thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 stalk celery, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter, sliced
- 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
- 1 (10 oz) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by slicing the onion, red potatoes, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
- Season the Beef:
- Season the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine well.
- Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- In a large crockpot, layer the thinly sliced potatoes, carrots, and celery. Top with the cooked ground beef mixture.
- Add Rice and Butter:
- Sprinkle the uncooked white rice over the ground beef layer. Place slices of butter evenly on top of the rice.
- Pour in Tomato Soup:
- Pour the condensed tomato soup over the entire mixture in the crockpot, ensuring that it covers all the ingredients.
- Cover and Cook:
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the rice is cooked through.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the cooked casserole during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Allow the cheese to melt and become gooey.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the casserole is cooked to perfection, serve it hot directly from the crockpot. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and dig in!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this casserole, omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Spice It Up: Add a kick of heat to the casserole by incorporating diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with toppings by adding crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Adaptation: To make this casserole keto-friendly, substitute the white rice with cauliflower rice. You can also reduce the amount of carrots to lower the carb content.
- Low-Carb Variation: Skip the white rice altogether and double up on the vegetables. Opt for low-carb condiments and use a keto-friendly cheese blend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables if you prefer. Simply thaw them before adding them to the crockpot, or adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and layer them in the crockpot ahead of time. Store the assembled crockpot in the refrigerator overnight and cook it the next day as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
In conclusion, our Crockpot Kitchen Sink Casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its hearty combination of vegetables, ground beef, and savory seasonings, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or a convenient option for meal prep, this casserole has you covered. So fire up your crockpot and treat yourself to a delicious and wholesome dinner that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!
