Slow Cooker Ground Beef with Tomato Sauce

 Slow Cooker Ground Beef with Tomato Sauce

 Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (about 700g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce or marinara sauce
• 1 small jar (24 oz) pasta sauce (like Ragu or any brand)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

 Instructions:

1. For extra flavor, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Drain excess fat.
   (You can skip this step and add raw beef directly to the slow cooker if preferred.)
2. Place the ground beef in the slow cooker.
3. Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and pasta sauce.
5. Add all seasonings and mix well.
6. Cover and cook:
   • On LOW for 6–8 hours
     OR
   • On HIGH for 3–4 hours
7. Stir well before serving and adjust salt if needed.

 Serving Ideas:

• Serve over spaghetti or any pasta
• Use for lasagna filling
• Make sloppy joe sandwiches
• Serve over white rice