Crockpot Creamy Beef and Spinach over Noodles

Crockpot Creamy Beef and Spinach over Noodles Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 9 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

This Crockpot Creamy Beef and Spinach over Noodles recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender beef and spinach, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic beef stroganoff, with the addition of spinach for an extra boost of nutrients. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and creamy sauce that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground chuck
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (8 oz (227 g)) package fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 (10 oz (283 g)) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 (14 oz (397 g)) can low-sodium, fat-free beef broth
1 (10.75 oz (305 g)) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 oz (227 g)) container sour cream
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
1 (8 oz (227 g)) block monterey jack cheese with peppers, shredded

How to prepare

Hot cooked egg noodles
Cook the ground chuck, chopped onion, and sliced mushrooms in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring until the beef crumbles and is no longer pink.
Drain the excess fat.
Drain the thawed spinach well, pressing it between paper towels.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture, spinach, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 4 qt (3.78 liter) slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
Serve the mixture over hot cooked egg noodles.

Variations

You can add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra vegetables.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck for a lighter option.
Use whole wheat egg noodles for added fiber.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the excess fat from the ground chuck to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

- Press the thawed spinach between paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

- For a richer flavor, you can use full-fat sour cream instead of low-fat.

- Serve the dish over hot cooked egg noodles for a traditional pairing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The slow cooking method in a crockpot allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. This results in a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh mushrooms, you can use canned mushrooms instead. You can also use frozen spinach instead of fresh.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook in the crockpot.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Crockpot Creamy Beef and Spinach over Noodles recipe contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Crockpot Creamy Beef and Spinach over Noodles recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and wheat (egg noodles).

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Crockpot Creamy Beef and Spinach over Noodles recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a rich and creamy sauce, tender beef, and nutritious spinach, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished browsing through a flea market in the quaint town of Oakwood. As I was about to leave, I stumbled upon an old recipe book tucked away in a dusty corner of a vendor's booth.

Intrigued, I picked up the book and flipped through its yellowed pages. The recipes inside were a treasure trove of forgotten dishes, each one more tantalizing than the last. But one recipe in particular caught my eye - Crockpot Creamy Beef and Spinach over Noodles.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about it called to me. I could almost taste the rich, creamy sauce and tender chunks of beef mingling with the vibrant green spinach and hearty noodles. I knew I had to try making it.

I purchased the recipe book from the vendor and hurried home to my cozy kitchen. As I gathered the ingredients for the dish, I couldn't help but wonder about the person who had written down the recipe so many years ago. What had inspired them to create such a unique and delicious dish?

As I set the crockpot to simmer, I carefully followed the instructions in the recipe book. Browning the beef in a skillet, sautéing the onions and garlic, adding the broth and seasonings - each step was a labor of love. And as the savory aroma of the dish filled my kitchen, I knew I had stumbled upon a culinary masterpiece.

Hours passed as the beef and spinach cooked slowly in the crockpot, the flavors melding together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Finally, it was time to serve the dish over a bed of hot, buttery noodles.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of comfort and contentment. The creamy sauce coated my tongue, the tender beef melted in my mouth, and the spinach added a fresh, earthy note to the dish. It was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, a dish that warmed both body and soul.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that I would make for family and friends for years to come. And as I sat down to enjoy my meal, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the serendipitous discovery of this recipe, a gift from the past that had brought so much joy and satisfaction into my life.