crockpot ground beef recipes
Discover the magic of crockpot ground beef recipes in this ultimate guide. Learn how to make easy, flavorful meals with minimal effort using your slow cooker. These recipes are perfect for busy days, meal prep, and feeding a crowd. From hearty chili to creamy beef stroganoff, you'll find versatile, affordable, and delicious options for every occasion.
Ingredients
- Ingredients for Crockpot Ground Beef Recipes:
- Ground Beef – 1 lb lean or regular, depending on your preference
- Onion – 1 medium chopped
- Bell Pepper – 1 medium chopped (optional, can be swapped with other veggies like zucchini or carrots)
- Garlic – 2 cloves minced
- Canned Tomatoes – 1 can 14.5 oz, diced or crushed
- Canned Beans – 1 can each of kidney beans and black beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
- Beef Broth – 1 cup or vegetable broth for a lighter version
- Chili Powder – 2 tbsp for flavor depth
- Cumin – 1 tsp adds warmth and earthiness
- Paprika – 1/2 tsp adds smokiness
- Salt – 1/2 tsp adjust to taste
- Black Pepper – 1/4 tsp adjust to taste
- Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese sour cream, green onions, fresh cilantro, or tortilla chips
Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Ground Beef Recipes (Beef Chili):
-
Brown the Ground Beef:
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook it until it’s fully browned. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat from the beef, then transfer the cooked beef to your crockpot.
-
Add the Vegetables:
- Chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the crockpot with the ground beef.
-
Add Canned Ingredients:
- Open the cans of diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans. Drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the crockpot.
- Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the crockpot along with the beans.
-
Add Broth and Spices:
- Pour in 1 cup of beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option). This will help create a rich, flavorful base for your chili.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients in the crockpot to mix everything evenly.
-
Set the Crockpot:
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop and meld together.
- Stir occasionally if possible, but it’s not necessary.
-
Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
- After cooking, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your taste preferences.
-
Serve:
- Once the chili is ready, ladle it into bowls. Top with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or even tortilla chips for added crunch.
-
Enjoy:
- Serve your crockpot ground beef chili with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Brown the Beef First: Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot ensures better flavor and helps break up the meat, making the chili more enjoyable to eat.
- Layer the Ingredients: Layering the ingredients (starting with the meat and ending with the liquid) ensures even cooking and prevents ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Don’t Overfill the Crockpot: Ensure your crockpot has enough room for the ingredients to cook evenly. If you need to make a double batch, consider using a larger crockpot.