Explore the easy world of ground beef crock pot dishes! These meals are great for busy families. They save time in the kitchen and offer delicious dinners.
Ground beef crock pot recipes have many options. You can make hearty soups or comforting pasta dishes. Even meatloaf and stuffed peppers are possible in your slow cooker.
Start by getting lean ground beef, veggies, and your favorite seasonings. Also, pick up useful utensils and accessories for your crock pot adventures.
Ready to make meal planning easier? Let’s dive into some tasty ground beef crock pot recipes. They’ll make dinner time a breeze.
Introduction
Crock pot cooking has changed how busy families make meals. It’s easy to make healthy ground beef crock pot recipes with little effort. Let’s see why crock pots and ground beef are a perfect pair in the kitchen.
Benefits of Using a Crock Pot
Crock pots, or slow cookers, are a big help in the kitchen. They use less electricity than ovens, saving you money on bills. You can cook delicious meals while you’re away, thanks to the crock pot.
Why Ground Beef is a Great Choice
Ground beef is great for crock pot cooking. It takes flavors well and gets tender during slow cooking. It’s perfect for family meals like chili, meatballs, and casseroles.
- High in protein: A 4-ounce serving of 90% lean ground beef contains 24 grams of protein.
- Versatile: Ground beef can be used in countless recipes, from tacos to lasagna.
- Economical: It’s an affordable way to feed a family.
Choose leaner ground beef like 90/10 for healthier meals. You can brown the beef for extra flavor or add it raw if you’re in a rush. Either way, you’ll make a tasty meal for your family.
Classic Ground Beef Stroganoff
Ground beef crock pot casseroles are great for saving money. The classic beef stroganoff is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This slow cooker version makes it easy to get rich flavors and tender meat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this budget-friendly meal, you’ll need these essentials:
- 2 lbs ground beef (sirloin or chuck roast)
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (healthier alternative to sour cream)
- 8 oz whole wheat egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make a delicious slow cooker beef stroganoff:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then transfer to the crock pot.
- Add mushrooms, onion, garlic, and beef broth to the pot.
- Cook on low for 5-7 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Stir in Greek yogurt 30 minutes before serving.
- Cook egg noodles separately and serve the stroganoff over them.
For extra flavor, sprinkle with thyme, parsley, or dill before serving. This hearty meal can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
Nutritional Info (per serving) | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 380 |
Protein | 28g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fat | 18g |
Spicy Beef Tacos in a Crock Pot
Craving a zesty Mexican-inspired meal? Try this easy ground beef crock pot dish for spicy beef tacos. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Essential Ingredients
You’ll need just three main ingredients for this low-carb ground beef crock pot recipe:
- 2 pounds of 85/15 lean ground beef
- 16-oz jar of chunky style salsa
- Spice mix (garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt)
Cooking Method
Follow these steps for delicious taco meat:
- Break down the ground beef in your crock pot
- Add salsa and spices, mix well
- Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours
- Stir occasionally, draining excess liquid if needed
Serving Suggestions
Get creative with your taco presentation:
Serving Style | Toppings | Sides |
---|---|---|
Classic Tacos | Cheese, sour cream, lettuce | Mexican rice, refried beans |
Taco Salad | Avocado, tomatoes, corn | Tortilla chips, lime wedges |
Burrito Bowls | Pico de gallo, guacamole | Cilantro-lime rice, black beans |
This versatile dish yields 8 servings at 308 calories each. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Enjoy your homemade spicy beef tacos!
Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew
Craving a comforting meal? Try this delicious ground beef crock pot stew. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, making it one of the best healthy ground beef crock pot recipes you’ll find.
Key Ingredients for Flavor
This stew combines lean ground beef with a variety of vegetables. You’ll need potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and peas. For depth of flavor, add low-sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Don’t forget herbs like oregano and smoked paprika for that extra kick.
Instructions for Perfect Stew
Start by browning the ground beef. Add all ingredients except peas to your crock pot. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Toss in frozen peas during the last 30 minutes. This recipe yields six servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Cooking Time | Prep Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|
8 hours (low) / 4 hours (high) | 10 minutes | 8 hours 10 minutes / 4 hours 10 minutes |
This hearty stew is not only delicious but also budget-friendly. Using ground beef instead of stew meat cuts costs without sacrificing flavor. Each serving contains about 348 calories, 41g carbs, and 20g protein. It’s a nutritious meal that’ll keep you satisfied for hours.
“This ground beef crock pot stew is a 5-star recipe! It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.” – Susie, home cook
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Enjoy this comforting stew any time of year!
Creamy Beef and Mushroom Pasta
Craving a comforting meal? This creamy beef and mushroom pasta is perfect for family-friendly ground beef crock pot dinners. It’s a delicious twist on traditional ground beef crock pot casseroles that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What You’ll Require
For this hearty dish, you’ll need:
- ½ pound beef stew meat
- 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 ounces pappardelle pasta
- ½ cup heavy cream
Preparatory Steps
Start by browning the beef in a skillet. Add the mushrooms and onions, cooking until softened. Then, move this mixture to your slow cooker. Mix in the garlic, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.
Final Cooking Directions
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta and cream. Cook until the pasta is tender. This dish serves 4 and contains approximately 314 calories per serving.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Sodium | 159mg |
Potassium | 553mg |
Dietary Fiber | 2g |
Vitamin A | 473IU |
Vitamin C | 3mg |
Calcium | 66mg |
Iron | 2mg |
This creamy beef and mushroom pasta is sure to become a favorite in your collection of ground beef crock pot casseroles. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings.
Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole
Ground beef crock pot casseroles are great for busy families. They offer tasty, affordable meals. This cheesy ground beef casserole is a hearty, budget-friendly dinner.
Suitable Ingredients
To make this tasty dish, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1.5 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
- 2.5 cups cheddar cheese
- 2 cups diced potatoes (skin on)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup diced onion
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 2 cups frozen corn
Layering and Cooking Process
First, brown the ground beef in a skillet. Then, layer the ingredients in your 5-6 qt crockpot:
- Add the browned beef, seasonings, and vegetables
- Pour in the broth and tomato sauce
- Add the uncooked pasta and potatoes
- Top with cheese
Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours. This meal serves 6-8 people. Each 3oz serving has about 601 calories and 34g of protein. Serve with a side salad for a full meal that everyone will enjoy.
Cooking Time | Servings | Calories per Serving | Protein per Serving |
---|---|---|---|
4 hours (low) or 3 hours (high) | 6-8 | 601 | 34g |
Easy Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Looking for a delicious and effortless meal? Try this ground beef crock pot chili recipe. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need a hearty dinner with minimal prep time. This slow cooker ground beef meal is packed with flavor and sure to satisfy your hunger.
Essential Spices and Ingredients
For this tasty chili, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (90/10% fat ratio)
- Two 15oz cans kidney beans
- One large diced onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and dried oregano
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Directions
Follow these simple steps:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet
- Add all ingredients to your crock pot
- Stir well to combine
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
- If desired, add 1/4 cup masa harina mixed with 1 cup broth to thicken
Toppings to Enhance Flavor
Serve your chili with these delicious toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped onions
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Nutritional Info (per serving) | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 340 |
Carbohydrates | 41g |
Protein | 33g |
Fat | 6g |
Sugar | 7g |
This ground beef crock pot chili serves 8-10 people and takes about 10 minutes to prep. With a total cooking time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy this flavorful slow cooker ground beef meal any day of the week!
Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Looking for a family-friendly dinner? Try this ground beef and rice casserole. It’s a hearty meal with savory flavors, all made easy with slow cooking.
Ingredients Overview
This casserole combines lean ground beef, rice, and veggies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 2/3 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups frozen sweet white corn
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, poultry seasoning
Preparation Instructions
To make this casserole:
- Brown the ground beef with onions in a skillet.
- Transfer the meat to your crock pot.
- Add rice, broth, soup, corn, and seasonings.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This casserole is not just delicious but also nutritious. One serving provides:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 458 kcal |
Protein | 25g |
Carbohydrates | 37g |
Fat | 23g |
Fiber | 5g |
This ground beef crock pot casserole is a balanced meal. It’s perfect for busy families looking for easy and nutritious dinners.
BBQ Ground Beef Sliders
Looking for easy ground beef crock pot dishes that won’t break the bank? These BBQ ground beef sliders are a perfect choice. They’re tasty, budget-friendly, and a breeze to make.
Ideal Ingredients
To whip up these mouth-watering sliders, you’ll need:
- 3-4 pounds chuck roast
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 9 dry rub ingredients
- Slider buns (Pepperidge Soft White, Walmart’s Brioche, or Hawaiian)
- Purple cabbage and cilantro for slaw
Assembly and Cooking Method
Start by mixing your dry rub ingredients and coating the chuck roast. Place it in your crock pot with barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the meat is tender. Shred the beef and mix it with the sauce. For the slaw, combine chopped purple cabbage and cilantro, letting it chill for an hour before serving.
Cooking Time | Servings | Calories per Serving |
---|---|---|
8-10 hours | 12 sliders | 353 kcal |
These budget ground beef crock pot meals can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, wrapped in foil. Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make BBQ ground beef sliders!
Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Looking for healthy ground beef crock pot recipes? Try these delicious stuffed peppers! This easy dish mixes savory ground beef with rice and veggies. It’s a hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients Needed
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 6 bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, crushed red pepper
Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to make your stuffed peppers:
- Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds
- Mix ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, and seasonings
- Stuff peppers with beef mixture
- Pour marinara sauce over peppers in crock pot
- Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours
- Top with cheese before serving
This recipe makes 6 servings. Each stuffed pepper has about 421 calories, 29g protein, and 6g fiber. For a low-carb version, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 421 |
Protein | 29g |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fat | 22g |
Fiber | 6g |
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy these stuffed peppers with a side salad for a complete, nutritious meal!
Ground Beef Lasagna
Looking for a tasty, family-friendly ground beef crock pot dinner? This easy lasagna recipe is perfect. It’s great for busy families who love hearty casseroles.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you need for this delicious dish:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 2 cans (26 oz each) spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (plus 1-2 cups for topping)
- Lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Layering Technique
Begin with a layer of sauce in your 5-6 quart oval slow cooker. Add noodles, then a beef mixture, followed by cheese. Keep layering until you have about three one-inch layers. This way, your casserole cooks evenly.
Baking Time and Serving Tips
Cook your lasagna on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Let it rest for 30 minutes before serving. This recipe makes 4 servings, each with 446 calories. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
Cooking Method | Time | Temperature |
---|---|---|
Slow | 6 hours | Low |
Fast | 3 hours | High |
Try using ground turkey or adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms. This versatile recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Conclusion
Ground beef crock pot recipes are a favorite in many American homes. In 2023, almost half of home cooks use slow cookers every week. Ground beef is the most popular choice because it’s versatile and affordable.
Slow cooker ground beef meals are a hit, with 70% of users making them often. This shows how much people love these recipes.
Tips for Storage and Reheating
After enjoying your ground beef crock pot recipes, it’s important to store leftovers right. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.
When reheating, add a bit of broth. This helps keep the food moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts on Crock Pot Cooking
Crock pot cooking is incredibly convenient and brings out amazing flavors. You can use lean or regular ground beef, and these meals are nutritious. A serving has about 535 calories and 43g of protein.
Remember, cooking times can vary. For example, a taco casserole cooks in 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low. With these tips, you’re ready to make delicious ground beef crock pot recipes that everyone will enjoy.
FAQ
Can I put raw ground beef in a crock pot?
Yes, you can put raw ground beef in a crock pot. Browning the beef first can make it taste better. Make sure to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours to cook it fully.
How long can I keep ground beef crock pot meals in the refrigerator?
You can store ground beef crock pot meals in the fridge for 3-4 days. Cool the meal down first, then put it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze ground beef crock pot meals?
Yes, you can freeze ground beef crock pot meals for up to 3 months. Let it cool down, then put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remember to label it with the date and what’s inside.
How do I reheat ground beef crock pot meals?
Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it’s dry, add a bit of broth or water. Heat it until it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Are ground beef crock pot recipes healthy?
Ground beef crock pot recipes can be healthy. Use lean ground beef and add lots of veggies. You can also make them healthier by changing ingredients to fit your diet.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in these recipes?
Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of beef. Turkey tastes milder, so you might need to adjust the seasonings.
How do I prevent my ground beef crock pot meals from becoming too greasy?
Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) or drain the fat after browning. Skim off any extra fat that comes up during cooking.
Can I add pasta directly to the crock pot in ground beef recipes?
It’s best to add pasta near the end of cooking or cook it separately. This prevents it from getting mushy. For lasagna, use no-boil noodles or regular noodles without pre-cooking.
How can I make my ground beef crock pot meals more flavorful?
Brown the ground beef before adding it to the crock pot for better flavor. Use fresh herbs and spices. Adding umami-rich ingredients like Worcestershire sauce or tomato paste helps too. Let it cook on low for a longer time to let the flavors meld.
Are ground beef crock pot meals budget-friendly?
Yes, they are very budget-friendly. Ground beef is cheap, and slow cooking uses less expensive cuts. These recipes also make a lot, perfect for leftovers or feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.