This crock pot spaghetti sauce recipe will serve at least 8 to 10 people so it is good for a big family, a party or even to freeze for future use when you are busy. You can also adapt it and add mushrooms, bacon or chili for a different taste.  I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do and find it easy to prepare.

Paulineh's Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce

2 lb (1 kg) minced steak (use the best quality you can afford)
3 tabs oil
2 onions chopped finely
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teas oregano
2 teas basil
2 cans whole or chopped tomatoes
5 ounces (140g) tomato paste
3/4 cup beef stock
1/2 cup red wine
1 tab sugar
salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Place the 2 tabs oil in a frying pan and heat, add the onion and garlic and stir until transparent.  Place in the base of the crock pot.  Add 1 tab oil and brown the meat in 3 batches and adding to the crock pot as they brown.  Now add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, red wine, herbs and salt and pepper and mix well.  Put on the lid of the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours.  In the last hour stir and add the sugar.  This cuts down on the acid from the tomatoes.

To serve cook the spaghetti or other pasta and pour the sauce on top or stir through.  Add Parmesan cheese if you like it.  You can also serve some crusty bread to mop up the sauce and a tossed salad.  Freeze any sauce that is left over for another meal.  I hope you like my crock pot spaghetti sauce.

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Casseroles are perfect for winter or when you know you haven't got much time to cook as you just set and forget in the crock pot.  I hope you enjoy this recipe and if you want to adjust it slightly then go ahead and let me know how it turns out.  Cooking is all about experimenting with the recipe to suit your tastes and this crock pot meal is no exception.

Beef Casserole with Paprika

1 kg steak cut into large cubes*
1 tab butter
2 onions, chopped
1 tab butter extra
1 tab plain flour
2 teas mustard
2 tabs tomato paste
1/2 teas regular paprika
1/2 teas smoked paprika
1/2 cup each of red wine and beef stock **
salt and pepper to taste

Brown the meat in the first lot of butter and remove to the crock pot.  Add the extra butter then add the onions and cook until clear then add the  flour.  Cook for a minute then add the rest of the ingredients to the pan.  Bring to the boil stirring constantly then pour over the meat in the crock pot.  Cook on high for 4 hours on high or 6 - 7 hours on low.  If  the casserole needs any more thickening do that now just before serving.  You may find you  need this as the meat does give off more juices during cooking.  Serves 4 - 5.

Serve  Beef Casserole with Paprika with rice, mashed potatoes or small whole potatoes.  As there are only two of us this crock pot meal makes two meals for us.  I serve it one night with the small potatoes topped with sour cream and steamed vegetables, and the next night with rice as a quick meal.

*  Cheaper cuts do well cooked on the low setting
** You can replace the red wine with the same amount of beef stock if you want.