7 Mouthwatering Ground Beef Slow Cooker Recipes

Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew

Experience the cozy comfort of a Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe brings together the robust flavors of ground beef with a medley of vegetables, all simmering to perfection. Here’s how you can make this winter warmer:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 carrots, chopped
  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. Stir in frozen peas 30 minutes before serving to maintain their vibrant color and texture.

🔔 Note: Adding peas at the end ensures they don’t overcook and retain their freshness.

Beef Enchilada Casserole

Delight in the flavors of Mexico with Beef Enchilada Casserole, a hassle-free version of the traditional dish that’s perfect for a crowd or a family gathering. Here’s what you need:

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup cheese blend, shredded
  • 8 corn tortillas, cut into pieces
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro

Preparation:

1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add taco seasoning, cook according to packet instructions.
2. Stir in the enchilada sauce and tomatoes.
3. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker: start with beef mixture, followed by tortilla pieces, black beans, and then sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers.
4. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
5. Serve with your choice of toppings.

🌿 Note: Corn tortillas add authenticity and absorb the flavors beautifully.

Slow Cooker Meatloaf

Reimagine a classic with our Slow Cooker Meatloaf, providing all the comforting flavors in a form that’s easy to prepare and clean up. Here’s your guide:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 1/2 cup ketchup, plus more for topping
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients except the extra ketchup. Shape into a loaf.
2. Place the meatloaf into the slow cooker. Cover the top with additional ketchup.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
4. Check with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through to 160°F.

🍅 Note: Adding a glaze of ketchup at the end gives the meatloaf a delightful tangy finish.

Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff

Savor the creamy, savory flavors of Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff, prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker. Here’s how to make this comforting dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 8 oz egg noodles, cooked
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Cook ground beef with onions and garlic until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
2. Add mushrooms, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Stir in sour cream before serving. Serve over cooked egg noodles.

🔍 Note: Use sour cream sparingly to avoid curdling in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Chili

Whether it’s game day or a chilly evening, this Slow Cooker Chili is the perfect recipe to satisfy your hunger with its rich, complex flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional for heat)
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet. Add onions and garlic, cook until onions are translucent.
2. Transfer to slow cooker. Add tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, bell pepper, jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

🔧 Note: Adjust the chili powder and jalapeño to control the heat level according to your taste.

Italian Meatball Sub Casserole

Transform your slow cooker into a mini Italian eatery with Italian Meatball Sub Casserole. This dish layers meatballs, sauce, and cheese, creating a delightful sub-inspired meal:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 4 sub rolls, cut into 1-inch slices
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Preparation:

1. Combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, basil, and oregano. Form into meatballs.
2. Brown meatballs in a skillet, then transfer to slow cooker.
3. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs. Arrange sub roll slices on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3 hours.

🥖 Note: Choose high-quality sub rolls for the best texture and flavor absorption.

Cheesy Taco Pasta

Combine the best elements of taco night with pasta in our Cheesy Taco Pasta. Here’s how to create this family-favorite dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 10 oz dried pasta (rotini or penne)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Brown the ground beef with onions in a skillet. Add taco seasoning, cook according to packet instructions.
2. Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in pasta and cheese 30 minutes before serving, cooking until pasta is tender.

🍝 Note: Pasta should be added later to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.

As you wrap up this culinary journey through the world of slow-cooked ground beef dishes, let’s pause to reflect on the ease and efficiency these recipes offer. Each meal not only delivers on taste but also simplifies your cooking routine with minimal prep and maximum flavor development. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld together, creating dishes that are rich in taste and comforting in texture. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a dinner, or simply seeking an easy yet delectable meal, these seven recipes provide a versatile array of options to suit any occasion. The convenience of setting up your meal and forgetting about it until it’s ready is the magic of the slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy other activities while your dinner simmers to perfection.

Can I use frozen ground beef in a slow cooker?

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Using frozen ground beef in a slow cooker is not recommended as it could lead to bacterial growth in the “danger zone” before the cooker heats up enough to safely cook the meat. Thawing ground beef in the refrigerator first is much safer.

How can I adjust these recipes for a larger crowd?

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Most slow cooker recipes can be easily scaled up. Simply double or triple the ingredients while keeping the cooking time the same. Be mindful of the cooker’s capacity, and adjust cooking time slightly if needed for larger quantities.

Can I prepare these meals in advance?

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Yes, slow cooker recipes are perfect for meal prep. You can brown the beef and prep the vegetables ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to add them to the cooker. Some even prep and freeze everything together for a ready-to-go meal.