Name: Slow cooker cheesy French onion mince recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 260 min
Total time: 280 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 brown onions, finely sliced; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1kg beef mince; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 sticks celery, diced; 40g sachet French onion soup mix; 1 cup tomato passata; 1 cup grated mozzarella; 1 cup grated tasty cheese

by Greer Worsley Last updated on 04/13/2022

Hearty, comforting and full of flavour, this slow cooker French onion mince is cooked with sweet caramelised onions to boost the oniony flavours, finished off with melted cheesy goodness. - Greer Worsley

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
3 brown onions, finely sliced
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1kg beef mince
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 sticks celery, diced
40g sachet French onion soup mix
1 cup tomato passata
1 cup grated mozzarella
1 cup grated tasty cheese

Method

Step 1

In a small saucepan, heat 1 tbsp oil and add onions. Cook covered over gentle heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until soft. Add sugar and vinegar and cook for a further 5 minutes until caramelised.
Step 2

Heat remaining oil in a frypan and brown off mince. Strain off any fat, then transfer to the bowl of a slow cooker. Add garlic, carrot, celery, soup mix and passata, and stir to combine. Add 1 cup water and stir again. Spoon caramelised onions over the top of the mince mixture, cover with lid and cook on high for 4 hours. Remove lid and sprinkle cheeses over the top. Replace lid and cook for a further 10 minutes until cheese has melted.

Recipe Notes

from Australia’s Best Recipes team

Browning off the mince before adding it to the slow cooker has the double benefit of intensifying the flavour and allowing you to pour off excess fat.
Serve with mashed potatoes and some steamed green vegetables.
Recipe and photo by Greer Worsley.