Easy Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
As the summer sun sets, a warm, homemade meal is more appealing than ever. For families with busy schedules, cooking a tasty, healthy meal can seem hard. But, there’s a kitchen secret that makes it easy. Discover the magic of easy crock pot recipes using hamburger meat.
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
Table of Contents
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
Introduction to Crock Pot Cooking
Slow cookers, also known as crock pots, change how we cook meals. They cook food at low heat for a long time. This makes flavors blend and tough meat tender. If you want to make cooking easier and enjoy slow cooker basics, try crock pot cooking.
What is a Crock Pot?
A crock pot is a slow cooker with a ceramic or porcelain pot. It’s great for making stews, chilis, and braises. You can leave it cooking and come back to a delicious meal without stirring.
Benefits of Using a Crock Pot
- Energy-efficient: Crock pots use less electricity than ovens, saving you money.
- Hands-off convenience: Just add ingredients, set the timer, and relax while it cooks.
- Tenderizes tough cuts of meat: The slow cooking breaks down meat, making it tender.
- Enhances flavor: Cooking for a long time makes flavors richer and more complex.
Why Choose Hamburger Meat?
Ground beef is a great choice for benefits of crockpot cooking. It’s affordable and can soak up many flavors. Whether it’s chili, meatballs, or casserole, slow cooking makes it tender and flavorful.
“The beauty of crock pot cooking is the hands-off approach. Just throw in your ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinnertime.”
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
Classic Hamburger Chili Recipe
There’s nothing like the warm, comforting taste of classic hamburger chili. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients. This recipe is perfect for cold days and is easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of 85/15 ground beef
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chili
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks, until browned.
- Drain any excess fat and move the cooked ground beef to a slow cooker.
- Add the kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chili, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the slow cooker.
- Season the chili with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your liking.
- Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the chili on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. Wait until the flavors meld and the chili is hot and bubbly.
Tips for Serving
Serve the chili hot, topped with your favorite garnishes. Try shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or sliced jalapeños. It goes well with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy it as a main course or as a topping for baked potatoes or hot dogs.
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
This hamburger chili recipe is a favorite that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Let the aroma of ground beef chili fill your kitchen as it cooks.
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
Hearty Meatballs in Marinara
Craving a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked meal? Look no further than these crock pot meatballs simmered in a savory slow cooker marinara sauce. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients like ground beef meatballs, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Simple Meatball Ingredients
The secret to delicious crock pot meatballs is in the ingredients. This recipe uses lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings for flavor. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic, tomato sauce, and paste make a vibrant slow cooker marinara sauce that complements the meatballs well.
Preparing the Meatballs
- Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-tablespoon sized meatballs, yielding around 36 meatballs.
- Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes to seal in the juices.
Cooking in the Crock Pot
Once the meatballs are prepped, it’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic. Place the meatballs and marinara sauce ingredients in the crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time makes the crock pot meatballs tender and juicy, with rich flavors from the slow cooker marinara sauce.
Serve these hearty crock pot meatballs over pasta, on crusty rolls for meatball subs, or as a satisfying appetizer. Enjoy the comforting and delicious results of this easy slow-cooker meal!
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 380 |
Protein | 24g |
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Fat | 21g |
Cholesterol | 95mg |
Sodium | 980mg |
Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
Craving a comforting and satisfying crock pot meal? Look no further than the delectable hamburger casserole. This cheesy, ground beef-based dish is a household favorite. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Necessary Ingredients
To whip up this cheesy ground beef crockpot meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 2 cups of uncooked elbow pasta
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1.5 cups of milk
- Seasonings (such as chili powder, paprika, dried basil)
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
Layering Your Casserole
To assemble this delightful hamburger casserole recipe, start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Drain any excess fat, then layer the beef in the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, add the uncooked pasta, followed by the soups mixed with milk. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and add your desired seasonings.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Once your slow cooker pasta dishes are all layered, cover and cook on low for 3 to 6 hours. The pasta should be tender and the cheese melted and bubbly. The exact cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on it.
This cheesy hamburger casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dinner. Enjoy!
Beefy Taco Soup
If you’re craving a hearty, Mexican-inspired dish, this taco soup recipe is perfect. It’s made with ground beef, beans, corn, and taco seasoning. This spicy ground beef soup is great for your slow cooker Mexican-inspired dishes.
Taco Soup Staples
The key ingredients for this taco soup include:
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups of fire-roasted corn
- 1 medium diced white onion
- 15 oz can of black beans
- 15 oz can of kidney beans
- 7 oz can of green chilies
- 15.4 oz can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can of tomato sauce
- 2 cups of beef stock
- 1 package of taco seasoning
How to Make it Spicy
To make your taco soup spicier, add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. This will make a spicy ground beef soup perfect for cold days.
Serving Suggestions
Top your taco soup with avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and tortilla chips. Serve it with a salad or crusty bread for a full meal.
This taco soup recipe is a must-try for slow cooker Mexican-inspired dishes lovers. Enjoy!
The taco soup is nutritious and filling. It has 323 calories, 42g of carbs, 29g of protein, and 5g of fat per serving. It’s also high in fiber, with 13g per serving, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. It’s a healthy choice for dinner or a weekend meal.
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 323 |
Carbohydrates | 42g |
Protein | 29g |
Fat | 5g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Cholesterol | 47mg |
Sodium | 1235mg |
Sugar | 10g |
Fiber | 13g |
Calcium | 96mg |
Iron | 6mg |
Savory Sloppy Joes
Crock pot sloppy joes are a classic comfort food for a cozy evening. This slow-cooked ground beef sandwich is loved by families. It has a tangy and sweet sauce. With just a few ingredients and little prep, you can make delicious sloppy joes for soft buns or Kaiser rolls.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joes
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 ratio)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 1/2 cups ketchup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon dried mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Quick Preparation Steps
First, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any extra fat. Then, put the cooked beef in your slow cooker.
Add the remaining ingredients – water, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried mustard, brown sugar, and chili powder. Stir well. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. Wait until the flavors mix well and the sauce thickens.
Perfect Bun Pairings
Serve the saucy sloppy joe mixture on soft, toasted hamburger buns or Kaiser rolls. Add your favorite toppings like dill pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, or coleslaw. The slow cooker makes sure the crock pot sloppy joes are ready as a ground beef sandwich or slow cooker comfort food.
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
Comforting Hamburger Stroganoff
This Hamburger Stroganoff is a satisfying and creamy slow-cooker meal. It combines ground beef, mushrooms, and a rich sour cream sauce. It’s great over egg noodles or rice.
Essential Cooking Ingredients
The main ingredients for this dish are:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creating the Sauce
First, brown the ground beef in a skillet. Once it’s cooked, move it to your slow cooker. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic.
Pour in the beef broth and stir. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The beef will be tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the sour cream. This makes the sauce creamy and coats everything well.
Serving Over Noodles
Serve the Hamburger Stroganoff over hot, cooked noodles or rice. The sauce and noodles or grains make a great pair. It’s a comforting meal.
Try this easy beef stroganoff recipe for a creamy dish. It’s perfect for a slow cooker pasta meal. The long cooking time blends the flavors for a delicious comforting hamburger stroganoff everyone will enjoy.
Flavorful Hamburger Stew
When it gets cold, a warm, comforting meal is just what you need. A slow-cooked hamburger stew is perfect for this. It’s filled with tender ground beef, fresh veggies, and a rich broth that warms you up.
Best Vegetables to Include
Hamburger stew is all about choice. You can stick with potatoes, carrots, and onions, or mix it up. Try adding:
- Russet potatoes, cubed
- Baby carrots, halved or quartered
- Diced yellow onion
- Fresh green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Frozen peas
- Celery stalks, sliced
How to Enhance the Flavor
Want to make your stew even better? Try adding herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves can make a big difference. A bit of Worcestershire or soy sauce adds depth. Don’t forget fresh garlic and black pepper for extra flavor.
Ideal Serving Temperature
Hamburger stew is best when it’s hot. The slow cooker makes the meat tender and the flavors rich. Serve it with bread or mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. You can also keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
Tips for Storing Leftovers
Storing your crock pot meals and reheating slow cooker dishes is key. It helps you get the most out of your cooking. With a few easy tips, your leftover ground beef recipes will stay tasty and fresh.
Proper Storage Techniques
Move your crock pot leftovers to airtight containers and chill them in the fridge within two hours. Cooked ground beef can last up to four days in the fridge or three months in the freezer. Remember to leave some space in the container for the food to expand when frozen.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your crock pot dishes, add a bit of broth or water. This keeps the meat and veggies moist. Make sure the leftovers heat up to 165°F to kill off bacteria. For the best taste, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
- Turn leftover ground beef into new dishes like tacos, stuffed peppers, or shepherd’s pie.
- Season it up and serve it over rice or pasta for a speedy dinner.
- Use the leftover beef in breakfast items like omelets or hash.
By using these tips, your crock pot leftovers will stay delicious. This lets you enjoy your slow-cooked meals for days.
Conclusion: Embrace Easy Crock Pot Meals
Crock pot cooking is a game-changer for busy families. It’s not just about saving time. It also makes meat tender and flavors richer. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal without much effort.
Encourage Experimentation
Don’t be shy to try new things in your crock pot. Mixing up ingredients can lead to new family favorites. Crock pot cooking is all about being creative and making dishes your own.
Share Your Favorites
Once you find your favorite crock pot recipes, share them. Swapping recipes is a great way to find new dishes. Your special crock pot dish could be the hit at the next gathering.
Final Thoughts on Convenience Cooking
Crock pot meals are not only quick but also easy on the wallet. They’re perfect for any family looking for tasty, healthy meals. Embrace the simplicity of these recipes and enjoy the delicious results of slow cooking.
Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat