Slow Cooker Poor Man Cabbage and Macaroni

Ingredients

• 1 head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 pound of macaroni
• 1 pound of ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination of the two)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the chopped carrot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until it is tender.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker and add the shredded cabbage, macaroni, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the macaroni is al dente.
7. Serve the Slow Cooker Poor Man Cabbage and Macaroni hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.