Are you tired of scrambling to put dinner on the table after a long day? Ground beef and your trusty crock pot are here to save the day! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these ground beef crock pot recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without the hassle.
In this post, we’ll share 10 delicious ground beef crock pot recipes that are easy to prepare, family-friendly, and sure to become staples in your meal rotation. Plus, we’ll throw in some tips for cooking with ground beef in a slow cooker and ideas for meal prep. Let’s get started!
Why Ground Beef and Crock Pots Are a Perfect Match
Ground beef is one of the most versatile and budget-friendly proteins out there. It’s a blank canvas for countless flavors, from savory Italian dishes to zesty Mexican-inspired meals.
Pair it with a crock pot, and you’ve got a match made in dinner heaven!
Here’s why this combo works so well:
Affordable: Ground beef is cost-effective and stretches well in recipes.
Convenient: The crock pot does all the work—just set it and forget it!
Versatile: From chili to casseroles, the possibilities are endless.
Family-Friendly: These recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Beef in a Crock Pot
Before we dive into the recipes, here are a few tips to ensure your ground beef crock pot meals turn out perfectly every time:
1. Brown the Beef First: While you can add raw ground beef to the crock pot, browning it first adds depth of flavor and helps remove excess fat.
2. Choose the Right Fat Content: Use 80/20 ground beef for richer flavor or 90/10 for leaner meals.
3. Layer Ingredients Properly: Place harder vegetables (like carrots or potatoes) at the bottom and meat on top for even cooking.
4. Don’t Overcook: Ground beef cooks faster than other meats, so 4–6 hours on low is usually sufficient.
5. Season Well: Ground beef benefits from bold seasonings, so don’t be shy with spices and herbs.
10 Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes to Try Tonight
1. Classic Crock Pot Chili
Description
This hearty chili is packed with flavor and perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- A single onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
2. Transfer the beef mixture to the crock pot and add remaining ingredients.
3. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
2. Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Casserole
Description:
A comforting, all-in-one meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- A lb ground beef
- 4 cups diced potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- A can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain.
2. Layer potatoes and beef in the crock pot.
3. In a bowl, mix soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over the beef and potatoes.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours. Sprinkle cheese on top during the last 30 minutes.
3. Crock Pot Spaghetti Bolognese
Description:
A family-friendly favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz spaghetti, cooked
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain.
2. Add the beef mixture and spaghetti sauce to the crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 4–6 hours.
4. Serve over cooked spaghetti and top with Parmesan.
4. Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
Description:
A zesty, flavorful dish that’s sure to spice up your dinner routine.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef and mix in taco seasoning.
2. Layer beef, corn, beans, and rice in the crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 4–6 hours.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top during the last 30 minutes.
5. Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers
Description:
A healthier twist on a classic dish, made easy in the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef and mix with rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
2. Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and place them in the crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours.
6. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Description:
A childhood favorite made even easier in the crock pot.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 onion, diced
- Hamburger buns for serving
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef with onions. Drain.
2. Mix in ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar.
3. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. Serve on buns.
7. Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli
Description:
A healthier, homemade version of the takeout classic.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef and drain.
2. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder in the crock pot. Add beef and broccoli.
3. Cook on low for 4 hours. Serve over rice.
8. Slow Cooker Meatball Subs
Description
: A fun and flavorful twist on traditional meatballs.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Sub rolls for serving
Instructions:
1. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, and egg. Form into meatballs.
2. Place meatballs and marinara sauce in the crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve in sub rolls.
9. Crock Pot Beef Tacos
Description:
A simple, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for Taco Tuesday.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- Taco shells and toppings (lettuce, cheese, salsa, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef and drain.
2. Mix in taco seasoning and water. Transfer to the crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 4 hours. Serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.
10. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
Description:
A creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef with onions. Drain.
2. Mix beef, soup, and sour cream in the crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 4–6 hours. Serve over egg noodles.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
- Freezing: Most of these recipes freeze well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep meals moist.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Conclusion
With these 10 ground beef crock pot recipes, you’ll never run out of easy, delicious dinner ideas. Whether you’re craving comfort food, international flavors, or something quick and kid-friendly, your crock pot has you covered. So, dust off that slow cooker and get ready to enjoy stress-free meals that your whole family will love!
Which recipe are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this post with your friends—it’s the ultimate guide to ground beef crock pot meals.
Related Post
Cook Rice In Instant Pot With Ease
