Ground Beef Slow Cooker Recipes: 7 Easy Meals You Can Make Today

As the week ends and it gets cooler, a warm, homemade meal sounds great. But, with little time, making something tasty can be tough. Luckily, the slow cooker is here to help. It makes delicious, easy meals that everyone will love.

We’ll look at seven tasty ground beef slow cooker recipes. They’re simple to make and fill your home with amazing smells. From chili to meatballs, these dishes are perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner.

So, grab your slow cooker and get your ingredients ready. Let’s explore delicious, stress-free dinners. You’ll wonder why you ever got takeout again. These slow-cooked ground beef recipes will become your favorites.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Ground Beef?

Using a slow cooker for slow cooked beef recipes or beef stew slow cooker dishes is a smart choice. It turns simple ground beef into tasty meals. Let’s look at why slow cooking is great for ground beef.

Benefits of Slow Cooking Meat

Slow cooking makes tough meat, like ground beef, tender and flavorful. The low heat breaks down tissues, making the meat soft. It also keeps the meat juicy, making your slow cooked beef recipes delicious.

Time-Saving Advantages

Slow cookers save time with beef stew slow cooker meals. Just add ingredients in the morning and forget it. By dinner, you’ll have a ready, aromatic dish.

Enhancing Depth of Flavor

Slow cooking deepens the flavors of your slow cooked beef recipes. The long cooking time lets spices and herbs soak into the meat. This makes your meal rich and satisfying.

So, if you want to make your ground beef dishes better, try slow cooking. You’ll enjoy the tasty results of this classic cooking method.

Essential Ingredients for Ground Beef Recipes

Creating delicious ground beef slow cooker recipes starts with quality ingredients. It’s important to pick the right ground beef and spices. Also, adding the right vegetables makes a big difference in taste and texture.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

The meat is the base of any good ground beef recipe. For slow cooker dishes, choose ground beef with 80-85% fat. This keeps the meat moist and tender. Don’t use extra-lean ground beef, as it can dry out during cooking.

Spices and Seasonings to Consider

Garlic powder or minced garlic
Onion powder or diced onions
Chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
Oregano, basil, and thyme for an Italian-inspired flavor
Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables and Add-Ins

Slow cooker recipes are great for using different vegetables. Here are some popular ones for ground beef dishes:

Diced bell peppers
Sliced mushrooms
Diced carrots and celery
Chopped tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes
Canned beans, such as kidney or pinto beans

By choosing the right ground beef, spices, and vegetables, you can make a tasty ground beef slow cooker recipe. Try different combinations to find your favorite beef chili slow cooker or other tasty dishes.

Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Enjoy the warm taste of classic beef chili, made easy in your slow cooker. It’s a hearty meal great for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients Needed

2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, 5-7 minutes. Make sure to crumble the beef as it cooks.
Drain any extra fat from the skillet. Then, move the cooked beef to a slow cooker.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well.
Pour in the tomato sauce, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir until everything is mixed well.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Wait until the flavors blend and the chili thickens.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the classic beef chili with your favorite toppings. Try shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, or sliced green onions. Add warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a full meal. Enjoy your tasty beef chili any time!

Hearty Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Craving a comforting and flavorful slow cooker dish? Look no further than these hearty meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce. This easy-to-prepare recipe is the perfect addition to your collection of ground beef slow cooker recipes.

Key Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
24-ounce jar marinara sauce

Preparation Steps

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in the slow cooker.
Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are completely covered.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is heated through.

Pairing Ideas

Serve these hearty meatballs in marinara sauce over a bed of hot cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a classic Italian-inspired meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete, satisfying dinner. For a lower-carb option, enjoy the meatballs and sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Flavorful Taco Soup for the Family

Craving a comforting meal for the whole family? This taco soup recipe is perfect for cozy nights. It’s a hearty, slow-cooked dish with bold taco flavors, tender ground beef, and a mix of veggies and beans.

Main Components

Here are the key ingredients that make this taco soup special:

Ground beef, browned and drained
Aromatic onions, garlic, and bell peppers
A blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and oregano
Canned diced tomatoes, beans, and corn for added texture and nutrition
Flavorful beef broth or stock to create the soup base

Cooking Procedure

This taco soup is easy to make. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then add it to your slow cooker. Mix in the rest of the ingredients and let it simmer. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes.

Top Topping Suggestions

When it’s time to serve, let everyone add their favorite toppings. Here are some ideas:

Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Crisp tortilla chips or crushed cornbread
Diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
A squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright, tangy finish

This taco soup is a hit for ground beef crockpot meals and beef bourguignon slow cooker fans. It’s a comforting dish that warms the soul.

Savory Ground Beef Stroganoff

Slow-cooked beef stroganoff is a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. It turns simple ground beef into a rich, creamy masterpiece. The whole family will love it. Let’s explore the essential ingredients and how to make this savory dish.

Essential Ingredients List

1 lb ground beef
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

In a slow cooker, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, making sure to crumble it as it cooks.
Add the sliced mushrooms, diced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Pour in the beef broth, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream until well combined.

Best Side Dishes to Serve

Beef stroganoff is best served over hot, fluffy egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy your slow cooked beef stroganoff with your favorite side dishes for a comforting and delicious dinner.

Delicious Sloppy Joes Made Easy

If you love hearty, flavorful ground beef dishes, you’ll adore making sloppy joes in your slow cooker. This classic American sandwich is great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make your slow cooker sloppy joes, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. You’ll need ground beef, onions, bell peppers, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like garlic powder, mustard, and chili powder. Choose lean ground beef to avoid a greasy dish.

Slow Cooking Method

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, making sure to crumble it as it cooks.
Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients, stirring to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Ideal Buns for Serving

When serving your slow cooker sloppy joes, choose the perfect buns. Soft and slightly sweet hamburger buns or brioche buns are great. You can also serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted buns or over mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.

The slow cooker makes this dish easy to make, and the flavors are rich and savory. This dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy your homemade sloppy joes and savor the comforting taste of this classic American dish.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Dishes

Learning to slow cook beef is key to making delicious meals. Whether it’s a classic beef pot roast slow cooker or trying new slow cooked beef recipes, these tips will help. You’ll get tasty results every time.

Choosing the Right Cooking Time

Slow cooking needs patience. For beef pot roast slow cooker dishes, don’t rush. Let the flavors mix and the meat get tender. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours for most ground beef.

Keeping Ground Beef Moist

Add a bit of broth, wine, or tomato sauce to keep slow cooked beef recipes moist.
Don’t open the lid too often. It lets out moisture and messes with cooking.
Browning the ground beef before slow cooking adds flavor and keeps it juicy.

Making Leftovers Last

Slow-cooked beef dishes make great leftovers. To keep them fresh and tasty:

Put cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a bit of broth or sauce to keep it moist.

Follow these tips to become a slow cooker master. Your family will love the beef pot roast slow cooker and other slow cooked beef recipes you make.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Meal!

In this article, you’ve seen many ground beef slow cooker recipes. They are easy to make and full of great flavors. You can try the Slow Cooker Chili, Meatballs in Marinara Sauce, or Ground Beef Stroganoff. These options will satisfy your cravings for comforting meals.

Recap of Recipes

These seven recipes offer a variety of dishes for different tastes and diets. You can enjoy a zesty Taco Soup or a classic Sloppy Joe. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Encouragement to Experiment

Feel free to add your own twist to these recipes. Try new spices, vegetables, or ingredients. Slow cooker meals are flexible, so you can make them your own. Get creative and enjoy the process!

Invitation for Feedback and Sharing

We invite you to share your experiences with these recipes. Your feedback and ideas can help others and improve our recipes. Let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together!

FAQ

What are the main benefits of using a slow cooker for ground beef recipes?

Slow cooking ground beef makes the meat tender. It saves you time and boosts the flavor in your dishes.

How do I choose the right ground beef for my slow cooker recipes?

Choose ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/20 or 85/15. This fat keeps the meat moist and tender while it cooks.

What are some essential spices and seasonings to use in ground beef slow cooker dishes?

Use garlic, onion, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and salt and pepper. These spices and seasonings complement ground beef well in slow cooker recipes.

How do I make sure my slow cooker ground beef dishes stay moist and flavorful?

Brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker. Adding a bit of broth or tomato sauce helps too. Basting the meat while it cooks keeps it moist.

What are some creative ways to use up leftover slow cooker ground beef?

Use leftover slow cooker ground beef in tacos, chili, shepherd’s pie, or pasta dishes. It’s also great on baked potatoes or nachos.

Can you put raw ground beef in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw ground beef in a slow cooker, but it’s often recommended to brown the beef first for better flavor and texture. Browning helps develop a richer taste and also allows excess fat to be drained, preventing the dish from becoming too greasy.

Do I have to brown ground beef before slow cooker?

While it’s not strictly necessary to brown ground beef before placing it in a slow cooker, it’s generally advised for better flavor. Browning the beef first helps to develop a deeper, savory taste and allows you to drain any excess fat, which can improve the final texture of your dish.

How much ground beef for BBQ?

For a BBQ, a general serving size is about 1/3 to 1/2 pound (150-225g) of ground beef per person for burgers. If you’re preparing multiple servings, aim for about 1 pound (450g) of ground beef for every 2-3 people, depending on their appetite.

What is the easiest meat to cook in a slow cooker?

The easiest meats to cook in a slow cooker are typically tougher cuts, such as chuck roast, pork shoulder, and chicken thighs. These cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to become tender when cooked slowly, making them perfect for the slow cooker.

Why can’t you put raw meat in a slow cooker?

You can put raw meat in a slow cooker, but there are a few reasons why people often brown meat first. Browning meat helps develop flavor through the Maillard reaction and renders excess fat. Additionally, cooking raw meat without browning can sometimes result in a less desirable texture or excess liquid in the dish.

Can I overcook beef in a slow cooker?

Yes, it is possible to overcook beef in a slow cooker, especially lean cuts or delicate pieces. While slow cooking is designed to break down tougher cuts, overcooking can lead to dry or tough meat. It’s best to follow time guidelines for specific cuts and check the doneness to prevent overcooking.

What happens if you don’t brown mince before slow cooking?

If you don’t brown mince (ground beef) before slow cooking, the meat may release more fat into the dish, potentially making the end result greasy. Additionally, the meat may not develop as rich a flavor as it would have if browned first. It can also affect the texture, making it less appealing in some dishes.

Do you need to fry onions before a slow cooker?

Frying onions before adding them to the slow cooker is optional but can enhance the flavor. Sautéing them until soft and slightly caramelized before slow cooking can add depth to the dish, but if you’re short on time, you can simply add raw onions directly to the slow cooker.

How long to cook ground beef?

When cooking ground beef in a slow cooker, it typically takes about 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. However, if you’re using ground beef in a dish with other ingredients, it’s important to check the texture to avoid overcooking. For stovetop cooking, it takes around 7-10 minutes to brown ground beef.

How much ground beef for 2 people?

For 2 people, you’ll want about 1/2 to 3/4 pound (225-340g) of ground beef, depending on how much meat you want in your meal. This should be sufficient for burgers, tacos, spaghetti, or any other ground beef-based dish.

How long to cook 1kg beef on BBQ?

To cook 1kg (about 2.2 lbs) of beef on the BBQ, it depends on the cut and thickness. For a roast like a flank or skirt steak, grill it for about 25-30 minutes on medium heat (flipping halfway through). For burgers, cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

How much ground beef for 2 burgers?

For 2 burgers, you will need about 1/2 pound (225g) of ground beef. This will allow you to make two standard-sized patties, typically around 1/4 pound (113g) each.

What are some of the mistakes people make using a slow cooker?

Common slow cooker mistakes include:Overfilling: Adding too much food can prevent proper cooking.Lifting the lid too often: Every time you open the lid, it releases heat, which can increase cooking time.Not adding enough liquid: Slow cookers need liquid to produce steam and cook the food.Cooking delicate foods too long: Fish, dairy, and certain vegetables can overcook and lose texture.Using lean meats: Lean cuts can dry out; it’s better to use tougher, fatty cuts.

Do potatoes go on top or bottom of meat in a crockpot?

Potatoes generally go on the bottom of the slow cooker, especially if they are cut into chunks. This allows them to absorb the juices and flavors from the meat as it cooks. Root vegetables like carrots or potatoes benefit from being closer to the heat source at the bottom.

Can you put flour in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can put flour in a slow cooker, but it’s often used to thicken sauces or stews toward the end of cooking. If you want to thicken a dish, you can add flour mixed with a little water or broth, and stir it in during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to achieve the desired consistency.Boneless Beef Short Ribs Recipe