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Easy Slow Cooker Meatball Stroganoff: A Comforting Delight

When it comes to hearty meals that require minimal effort, Slow Cooker Meatball Stroganoff is an absolute winner. Perfectly suited for busy weeknight dinners, this dish combines tender meatballs with a silky, rich sauce that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Read on to discover how you can prepare this delectable dish with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 500g minced beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavour)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 medium egg
• 50g breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Stroganoff Sauce:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 250g mushrooms, sliced
• 400ml beef stock
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 200ml sour cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve:

• Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the minced beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, egg, and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 3cm in diameter. You should get around 20 meatballs, depending on the size.

2. Brown the Meatballs (Optional)

For an extra layer of flavour, you may choose to brown the meatballs in a frying pan over medium heat. Heat a splash of oil and cook the meatballs for about 5 minutes until golden brown on all sides. This step is not necessary but adds depth to your dish.

3. Assemble the Sauce

In the slow cooker, layer the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms at the bottom. Place the meatballs on top of the vegetables.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour this mixture over the meatballs and vegetables, ensuring everything is well-covered.

4. Slow Cook

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavours to meld beautifully while ensuring the meatballs are tender and succulent.

5. Finishing Touches

About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream. This will enrich the sauce and make it creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve

Once ready, ladle the Stroganoff over your choice of cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of colour and flavour.

Tips for Success

• Customisation: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
• Meat Alternatives: For a lighter option, swap out beef for turkey or chicken.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.

Conclusion

Easy Slow Cooker Meatball Stroganoff is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich flavours and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favourite. So, grab your slow cooker and treat yourself to a warm, hearty meal that promises to satisfy both the belly and the soul!