Slow cooking with ground beef is a fantastic way to create tender, flavorful dishes with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing a comforting dinner for your family or meal prepping for the week, a slow cooker can turn humble ground beef into a variety of delicious dishes. This article’ll explore popular slow cooker ground beef recipes, tips for perfect results, and some helpful advice for using ground beef in your slow cooker.
If you’re looking for more meat and poultry slow-cooker recipes, Taste of Home—Meat and Poultry Recipes has a variety of ideas.
Why Slow Cook Ground Beef?
Slow cooking brings out the best in ground beef by breaking it down slowly and allowing it to absorb the flavors of the seasonings and ingredients around it. The longer cooking time helps tenderize the beef, making it perfect for stews, casseroles, soups, and more. Here are a few reasons why ground beef is perfect for the slow cooker:
- Tender and juicy: Slow cooking at low temperatures breaks down the beef fibers, making it incredibly tender.
- Versatility: Ground beef can be used in a wide range of dishes, from chili to meatloaf, and even international recipes.
- Meal prepping made easy: You can prepare a large batch and have leftovers for several days.
When preparing your slow cooker recipes, you may want to try making this slow-cooked sloppy joe recipe. It’s quick to prepare and can be a great family favorite. Check out the full recipe on Taste of Home.
Popular Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes
Now let’s dive into some of the most popular slow cooker ground beef recipes. These recipes are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing meals for the week.
1. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
This classic sloppy joe recipe is made with ground beef, a rich tomato base, and a blend of spices. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the beef to absorb the sauce and become irresistibly tender.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet.
- Add the beef mixture to the slow cooker, along with the remaining ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings.
Sloppy Joes are perfect for a quick dinner or a casual gathering. They also freeze well, making them ideal for meal prep.
2. Slow Cooker Beef Chili
This beef chili is loaded with ground beef, beans, and chili spices. It’s a hearty, filling dish that gets better the longer it cooks, making it ideal for your slow cooker.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef and onion, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the beans, tomatoes, and spices.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
- Top with sour cream, cheese, and green onions.
This ground beef chili is perfect for cozy nights or game-day snacks. You can adjust the spice level by adding extra chili powder or jalapenos.
3. Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
A creamy, savory beef stroganoff made with ground beef is another excellent slow cooker recipe. The beef soaks up the rich sauce and becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef and onion, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mushrooms.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Stir in the sour cream and flour at the end of cooking, and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve over egg noodles.
This dish is creamy, comforting, and perfect for a hearty dinner.
4. Slow Cooker Enchiladas
These slow cooker beef enchiladas are a great alternative to traditional baked enchiladas. The slow cooker makes the beef more flavorful, and the tortillas soften to create a delicious layered meal.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef and onion, then season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
- In the slow cooker, layer tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the top.
- Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
These enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Tips for Cooking Ground Beef in a Slow Cooker
To get the best results when cooking ground beef in a slow cooker, follow these helpful tips:
- Choose the right ground beef: For slow cooking, 80/20 ground beef is ideal because the fat helps keep the beef moist and flavorful.
- Brown the beef first: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Layer ingredients carefully: When making dishes like enchiladas or chili, layer the ingredients to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Add vegetables last: Certain vegetables, like carrots and potatoes, can become mushy if slow-cooked for too long. Add them in the last few hours of cooking for better texture.
- Cook on low for best results: Slow cooking on low for an extended period ensures the beef becomes perfectly tender and allows the flavors to meld together.
For more great slow-cooker recipes, be sure to check out the slow-cooked sloppy joe recipe on Taste of Home.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ground beef in a slow cooker?
It’s not recommended to cook frozen ground beef in a slow cooker, as it could stay in the “danger zone” for bacteria growth. Always thaw the beef first.
What can I substitute for ground beef in slow cooker recipes?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option.
How do I store leftover slow-cooked ground beef?
Store leftover slow-cooked ground beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make slow cooker ground beef recipes ahead of time?
Yes! Many slow cooker beef recipes, like chili and sloppy joes, are perfect for making ahead and reheating throughout the week.