As autumn arrives, the smell of slow-cooked meals brings back childhood memories. Imagine sitting around the table with family, enjoying homemade ground beef casserole or chilli. These moments fill our hearts with warmth and nostalgia.
This guide will show you a variety of ground beef slow cooker recipes. They offer comfort and make mealtime easier. You’ll find classics and new ideas that please everyone. Imagine coming home to the smell of Bolognese sauce or Mexican meatballs, all with little effort.
Key Takeaways
- Discover a variety of comforting and easy-to-prepare ground beef slow cooker recipes.
- Explore classic dishes like ground beef casserole, chili, and pasta recipes alongside innovative variations.
- Enjoy the convenience of hands-off cooking with minimal prep work required.
- Savor the rich flavors and tender textures of slow-cooked ground beef dishes.
- Meal plan with budget-friendly and large-batch recipes for family-friendly meals.
Understanding Slow Cooker Ground Beef Cooking Basics
Learning to cook ground beef in a slow cooker is easy and fun. It’s great for making tasty meals with little effort. Knowing the basics is key whether you’re making a classic casserole or trying something new.
Essential Equipment and Tools
You’ll need a 6-quart slow cooker, also known as a Crock Pot. You’ll also need a large skillet to brown the ground beef. This step removes excess fat and adds flavour.
Temperature Settings and Cooking Times
For slow-cooking ground beef, use the LOW setting for 4-6 hours or the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. This makes the meat tender and flavorful.
Ground Beef Preparation Tips
- Brown the ground beef well in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This enhances flavour and texture.
- Break the ground beef into small pieces while browning. This ensures even cooking.
- For make-ahead meals, prepare all ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before. Refrigerate until cooking time.
Top Ground Beef Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
Delicious and Easy Ground Beef Slow Cooker Recipes
🍲 Tired of the weeknight dinner rush? These 10 mouth-watering ground beef slow cooker recipes are here to save the day! From comforting soups to hearty pastas, each recipe is designed to be easy, delicious, and perfect for busy nights. Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it work its magic—your home will be filled with irresistible aromas, and dinner will be ready without the fuss. Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a hungry family!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (optional, for richness)
- 1 lb pasta, cooked (for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Add beef, tomatoes, carrot, onion, garlic, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir to combine
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Finish with Cream (Optional): If you like, stir in milk or cream in the last 15 minutes for a richer sauce.
- Serve: Spoon over cooked pasta, and garnish with fresh basil or Parmesan.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield 6Amount Per ServingCalories 350Total Fat 12gCarbohydrates 40gProtein 20g
By following these tips, you’ll make delicious slow-cooker ground beef dishes. Your family and friends will love them.
| Slow Cooker Ground Beef Cooking Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef Quantity | Up to 5 lbs in a 6-quart slow cooker |
| Cooking Time | 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low |
| Water Recommendation | 1/4 cup per pound of ground beef |
| Refrigerator Storage | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer Storage | Up to 2 months |
| Nutrition per Serving | 137kcal, 24.8g protein, 3.4g fat, 1.7g saturated fat, 0.1g trans fat, 67.8mg cholesterol, 75.2mg sodium |
Classic Slow Cooker Ground Beef Casserole
Looking for a comforting dinner? Try the classic slow cooker ground beef casserole. It has tender ground beef, sautéed veggies, and creamy sauce. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work, blending flavours perfectly.
To make this tasty casserole, start by browning 1.5 pounds of ground beef with 2 diced white onions and 2 cups of chopped carrots. Once the beef is cooked, move it to your slow cooker. Add a 10-ounce can of tomato soup, 1.5 cups of water, 1/2 cup of uncooked white rice, and spices like chilli powder and basil. Stir well to mix.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 458 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 37g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Potassium | 1100mg |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 7130 IU |
| Vitamin C | 21.5mg |
| Calcium | 92mg |
| Iron | 7.1mg |
Cover the slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This will make the rice tender and the flavours rich. About 30 minutes before serving, add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese for a creamy top. Serve with fresh parsley or green onions and a side salad or crusty bread for a full meal.
This beef casserole is not only tasty but also budget-friendly. It uses ground beef and pantry staples, making it perfect for feeding a crowd without spending a lot. The slow cooker keeps the ground beef tender and the flavours perfect. Enjoy this classic slow cooker casserole for a comforting dinner any day.
Budget-Friendly Ground Beef Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow cooker meals are great for saving money. They offer many affordable ground beef recipes. You can make everything from chilli to stews in your crockpot. These dishes are tasty and won’t empty your wallet.
Cost-Effective Ingredients
To make affordable ground beef dishes, use cheap ingredients. Some good choices are:
- Ground beef
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Beans (kidney, black, pinto, etc.)
- Pasta
- Rice
- Onions, garlic, and other spices
These ingredients help you make tasty meals without spending a lot.
Meal Planning Strategies
Smart meal planning is key to saving money. Prepare meals in advance and freeze them. This way, you have healthy food ready for busy days. You can also use leftovers to make new dishes.
Bulk Cooking Tips
Bulk cooking saves time and money. Make extra portions of your slow cooker recipes and freeze them. This makes meal prep easier and helps you use your ingredients wisely.
By using these tips, you can enjoy tasty ground beef dishes without spending too much. Try new recipes and flavours. Enjoy having homemade meals ready whenever you need them.
“Slow cooker meals are a game-changer when it comes to saving time and money. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy delicious, budget-friendly ground beef dishes that will feed your family without draining your wallet.” – Julia, Home Chef
Hearty Slow Cooker Chili and Stews
When it gets cold, nothing is better than a warm bowl of slow-cooker chilli or beef stew slow cooker. These hearty meals are simple to make and full of flavour. They’re great for any day, whether you’re busy or just want to relax.
Our slow cooker chilli recipe uses ground beef and stew beef. It’s cooked with tomatoes, beans, and spices. This recipe makes 10 servings, which is perfect for the whole family. Each serving has 305 calories, 24 grams of carbs, and 25 grams of protein.
- First, brown 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of stew beef in a skillet.
- Put the browned beef in a slow cooker. Add a 10-ounce can of tomatoes with green chiles, a 30-ounce can of tomato sauce; a 15-ounce can of dark red kidney beans, a 15-ounce can of chilli beans, and 2 cups of frozen mixed peppers and onions.
- Season the chilli with chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Wait until the flavours mix well and the beef is tender.
- Serve the slow cooker chilli hot. Add your favourite toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, or sour cream.
Our recipe is perfect if you prefer beef stew in a slow cooker. It has tender beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery in a tasty broth. Each serving has 401 calories, 36 grams of carbs, and 31 grams of protein.
“Nothing warms the soul like a comforting bowl of slow-cooked chili or stew on a cold day.”
Whether you want slow cooker chilli or beef stew slow cooker, these recipes are great. They’re easy to make and taste amazing. They’re perfect for any time, whether you’re busy or just want to enjoy a cosy meal.
Italian-Inspired Ground Beef Dishes
Add a touch of Italy to your slow cooker meals. Discover a variety of ground beef dishes that take you to Italy. From slow cooker meatballs to lasagna and pasta, these recipes will be loved by your family.
Slow Cooker Meatballs
Begin with tender slow cooker meatballs. Mix ground beef, Italian sausage, onions, garlic, and herbs. Let it simmer for a dish that’s perfect with pasta or bread.
Lasagna and Pasta Dishes
Make your pasta night special with slow cooker lasagna and pasta recipes. Layer lasagna noodles, ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and tomato sauce. For a creamy dish, try a slow cooker pasta with Alfredo sauce.
Sauce Variations
Try different sauces for your Italian dishes. Use marinara or Bolognese for a classic taste. Or, go for creamy Alfredo or vodka sauce for something new. Add fresh herbs and Parmesan for that Italian flavour.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground Sirloin Beef | 2 lbs, 90% lean |
| Italian Sausage | 1 link (2.9 oz), spicy or sweet |
| Onion | 1 large (1 cup chopped) |
| Carrot | 1 medium (1/2 cup chopped) |
| Celery | 1 large (1/3 cup diced) |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz), Tuttorosso brand |
| Bay Leaves | 2 |
| Kosher Salt | 3/4 tsp |
| Cream Cheese | 8 oz |
| Ricotta Cheese | 1 cup |
| Spaghetti Sauce | 2 jars (24 oz each) |
| Cavatappi Pasta | 1 box (16 oz) |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
Mexican and Tex-Mex Ground Beef Favorites
Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes are top picks for slow-cooker ground beef recipes. They offer tasty and comforting meals. They’re great for weeknights or big gatherings, from slow cooker taco meat to enchiladas and tamale casseroles.
Tex-Mex Slow Cooker Casserole is a standout. It mixes 2 pounds of slow cooker taco meat with beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and queso cheese. It’s seasoned with taco seasoning for a true Tex-Mex taste. It’s quick to prepare and cooks for 4 hours, making it a great choice for busy cooks.
Slow cooker enchiladas are a hit for those who love Mexican food. They stack corn tortillas, slow cooker taco meat, and cheese. The slow cooker blends the flavours, making it a comforting dish.
Tamale-inspired dishes are also a great choice. They mix slow-cooker taco meat with cornmeal and spices. This creates a flavorful dish that’s easy to make, just like tamales.
Choosing any Mexican-inspired recipe or Tex-Mex dish means you’re in for a treat. The slow cooker makes these meals easy and delicious. They’re perfect for adding bold flavours and diverse ingredients to your meals.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Options
Meal prepping with ground beef is now easier with the slow cooker. You can make big batches of your favourite dishes ahead of time. This way, you’ll always have meals ready when you need them. Try classic casseroles, hearty chilis, and stews for busy weeknights.
Storage Guidelines
Put leftover slow cooker dishes in airtight containers and refrigerate for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for 2-3 months. Always label each container with the dish name, cooking date, and reheating instructions.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat frozen meals, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, heat them in the microwave or oven until warm. Stews and chilli often taste better after freezing and reheating.
Batch Cooking Methods
- Make large batches of ground beef in the slow cooker, then freeze for future meals.
- Assemble casseroles or lasagna, then freeze uncooked for easy baking later.
- Make extra meatballs or meatloaf, and freeze them for quick additions to meals.
- Cook a big batch of ground beef tacos or burritos, then freeze the filling for fast meals.
Using make-ahead and freezer-friendly options lets you enjoy slow cooker ground beef recipes anytime. Batch cooking makes dinner prep easy and stress-free. Say goodbye to the daily dinner rush!
Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Slow Cooker Results
Getting delicious slow-cooked ground beef starts with a few easy steps. First, brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds a richer flavour and keeps the meat from becoming too wet or mushy.
When seasoning, make sure to taste and adjust the spices and herbs to your liking. Recipes often use taco seasoning or Italian herbs. But feel free to try different flavours like chilli powder, cumin, or smoked paprika.
Add uncooked noodles towards the end of cooking for pasta dishes to avoid mushiness. You can also use ground turkey, pork, or bison for a different taste. Remember, leaner meats might need more liquid to stay moist.
FAQ
What are some classic slow cooker ground beef recipes?
Classic recipes include ground beef casserole, chilli, and pasta dishes. These meals are hearty and comforting. They require little prep work, just browning the ground beef first.
What essential equipment and tools are needed for slow cooker ground beef recipes?
You’ll need a 6-quart Crock Pot and a large skillet for browning. The cooking times are LOW (4-6 hours) or HIGH (3-4 hours).
How should ground beef be prepared for slow cooker recipes?
Brown the ground beef well to get the best flavour. Break it into small pieces while browning to remove excess fat.
What are some budget-friendly ingredients and meal-planning strategies for slow cooker ground beef recipes?
Use ground beef, pasta, canned tomatoes, and beans to save money. Plan meals in advance and freeze them. Cooking in bulk helps too.
What are some hearty slow cooker chilli and stew recipes featuring ground beef?
Chilli recipes mix ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Stews, add vegetables and potatoes. These dishes are great for cold weather and can be customized.
What are some Italian-inspired slow cooker ground beef dishes?
Try slow cooker meatballs, lasagna, and pasta with Italian herbs and cheeses. These dishes offer authentic Italian flavours.
What are some Mexican and Tex-Mex slow cooker ground beef favourites?
Favourites include taco meat, enchiladas, and tamale-inspired dishes. They use spices like cumin and chilli powder, along with beans, corn, and cheese.
What are some tips for make-ahead and freezer-friendly slow cooker ground beef recipes?
Prepare ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. Freeze recipes in bags or containers for up to 3 months. Cooking in bulk is also helpful.
What are some tips for achieving perfect results with slow cooker ground beef recipes?
Brown the ground beef first for flavour. Adjust seasonings and let dishes rest before serving. For pasta, add uncooked pasta near the end. Try different meats and add veggies for nutrition.
Source Links
- https://www.suburbansimplicity.com/slow-cooker-ground-beef-casserole/ – Slow Cooker Ground Beef Casserole Recipe – Suburban Simplicity