Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes You'll Want to Make Every Week

There's something about tossing a few ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a kitchen that smells absolutely amazing. Ground beef is one of my go-to proteins for slow cooker meals because it's affordable, versatile, and absorbs all those rich flavors as it cooks low and slow throughout the day. Whether you're feeding a busy family on a weeknight or just want a no-fuss dinner that basically makes itself, these recipes are going to become your new favorites. I've made both of these more times than I can count, and honestly, they never disappoint.

How to Cook Ground Beef in a Slow Cooker: Easy & Delicious Tips

If you've ever wondered whether you can cook ground beef straight in the slow cooker without browning it first, the answer is yes — and once you try it, you'll wonder why you ever stood over a hot skillet. The key is breaking meat up well and seasoning it generously so every bite is packed with flavor. I like to add a little beef broth to keep things moist and help everything meld together beautifully. This method works great for tacos, pasta sauces, burrito bowls, and so much more. It's a true set-it-and-forget-it situation that fits perfectly into any busy schedule.

• 15 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
can (145 oz) diced tomatoes1sp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

1. Place the ground beef into slow cooker and break it up into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic directly top of the meat.
3. Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes, including juices.Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, then give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the mixture and taste for seasoning, adjusting as needed.
6. Serve hot over rice, in tortillas, or alongside your favorite sides, garnish with fresh parsley.

Ground Beef Slow Cooker Recipes

This slow cooker beef stew is pure comfort food at its finest. I love making this a Sunday afternoon when the weather is cold and all I want is something warm and hearty waiting for me come dinnertime. The ground beef soaks up all the savory broth and blends with the tender vegetables in a way that feels like a home-cooked meal even when you've barely spent any time in the kitchen. It's thick, and incredibly satisfying. My always asks for seconds, and leftovers — if there are any — taste even better the next day.

• 15 lbs ground beef
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium
• 2 cups
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles, then drain excess fat. This step adds little extra depth of flavor to the stew.
2. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. the potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion on top of the beef.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and dried thyme, then pour the mixture over everything in the slow cookerSeason generously with salt and pepper and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cover cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 until the vegetables are fork-tender. 20 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch slurry and replace the lid, allowing stew to thicken up nicely.
5. Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls for ultimate cozy meal.