Crock Pot Ground Beef Recipes: 7 Easy Weeknight Dinners

Did you know that over 80% of American families cite “lack of time” as their biggest obstacle to preparing home-cooked meals? Yet, the average household spends more than $3,000 annually on takeout food. What if you could save both time and money with minimal effort? That’s where crock pot ground beef recipes come to the rescue. These simple, affordable meals can transform your weeknight dinner routine while allowing you to reclaim precious family time. With ground beef consistently ranking among the most economical protein sources, these crock pot ground beef recipes offer the perfect solution for busy households seeking both convenience and flavor.

Ingredients List

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• 1 cup beef broth

Substitution Options:

• Ground turkey can replace beef for a leaner option
• Black beans or pinto beans can substitute for kidney beans
• For a deeper flavor profile, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder

Timing

• Preparation time: 15 minutes (30% less than traditional stovetop chili)
• Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes (mostly hands-off cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat, which helps reduce the overall calorie content by approximately 100 calories per serving.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Transfer browned meat to the crock pot. Add all remaining ingredients and stir thoroughly to combine. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet – these contain concentrated flavors that will enhance your chili.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully together, creating a richness that quick-cooking methods simply cannot achieve.

Step 4: Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 325
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 7g
• Fat: 14g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Sugar: 6g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Use 90% lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey to reduce fat content by up to 30%
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to increase fiber and nutrients
• Choose low-sodium beans and broth to reduce sodium content by approximately 25%
• For a keto-friendly version, omit beans and add more vegetables
• Try plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian option

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty chili over a small portion of brown rice or with a side of cornbread for a complete meal. For a lighter option, spoon it over cauliflower rice or a baked sweet potato. This versatile dish also works wonderfully as a topping for nachos, stuffed inside bell peppers, or layered in a taco salad. If you’re hosting a gathering, set up a chili bar with various toppings so everyone can customize their bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the browning step: This crucial step develops flavor compounds that enhance the final dish.
• Adding too much liquid: Crock pots retain moisture, so you need less liquid than stovetop recipes.
• Lifting the lid frequently: Each peek extends cooking time by approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Using high-fat ground beef: This can make your chili greasy; opt for 85-90% lean.
• Under-seasoning: Since slow cooking mellows flavors, be generous with your spices.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This chili keeps exceptionally well! Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop during storage. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm larger amounts on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.

2. Savory Crock Pot Italian Beef and Rice

Ingredients List

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Substitution Options:

• Brown rice can be used instead of white (may require additional liquid and cooking time)
• Ground chicken or turkey works well as a beef alternative
• Vegetable broth can replace beef broth for a milder flavor

Timing

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 3-4 hours on low
• Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes (15% faster than traditional casserole methods)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Brown ground beef with onions and peppers until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Layer in Crock Pot

Transfer meat mixture to the crock pot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Add Rice and Liquid

Stir in uncooked rice and beef broth, ensuring rice is submerged in liquid.

Step 4: Cook and Finish

Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until rice is tender. In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle cheese on top and continue cooking until melted.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Sugar: 3g

3. Comforting Crock Pot Beef and Potato Stew

Ingredients List

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 russet potatoes, cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 7-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
• Total time: 7 hours 15 minutes

Author’s Top Recipe Picks :

• Ground Beef Recipes: 10 Quick Meals in Under 30 Minutes
• 10 Delicious Recipes with Beef Broth to Try Today
• Easy Crock Pot Recipes Using Hamburger Meat
• Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes: 10 Easy & Tasty Meals

Conclusion

These seven crock pot ground beef recipes offer the perfect solution for busy weeknights, combining convenience, affordability, and delicious flavors. From comforting classics to international favorites, these dishes prove that a home-cooked meal doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you can enjoy satisfying dinners despite a hectic schedule.

Try one of these crock pot ground beef recipes this week and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Subscribe to our newsletter for more time-saving meal ideas delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ground beef in these crock pot recipes? For food safety reasons, it’s best to thaw ground beef completely before adding it to your crock pot. Using frozen meat can keep food in the “danger zone” temperature (40°F-140°F) for too long, potentially allowing harmful bacteria to grow.

How can I make these recipes lower in sodium? Use low-sodium broth, fresh ingredients instead of canned when possible, and reduce added salt. You can enhance flavor with herbs, spices, and a splash of acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) instead.

Can I prep these recipes ahead of time? Absolutely! You can brown the meat and chop vegetables the night before, storing them separately in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply combine everything in your crock pot and start cooking.

What’s the best ground beef to use for crock pot recipes? An 85/15 or 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio works best. Too lean (like 93/7) might result in drier meat, while higher fat content can make dishes greasy.

Can I convert these recipes for an Instant Pot? Yes! Most crock pot ground beef recipes can be adapted for the Instant Pot. As a general rule, what takes 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high in a crock pot will take approximately 20-30 minutes at high pressure in an Instant Pot.

How do I know when the dish is done cooking? Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to be safe. For these recipes, you’ll also want to ensure that any vegetables are tender and rice or pasta has absorbed the liquid and reached the desired texture.

Can I double these recipes? Most of these recipes can be doubled if your crock pot is large enough. Cooking times should remain roughly the same, but you may need to add 30-60 minutes for very large batches.

Are these recipes freezer-friendly? Most of these crock pot ground beef recipes freeze excellently! The exceptions are those containing potatoes or dairy, which may change texture when frozen and thawed.