Introduction

Ever wondered how to create the most comforting, hearty meals with minimal effort? Ground beef crock pot recipes are the perfect solution! Whether you’re craving a rich, savory stew or a cheesy, flavorful casserole, slow cooking brings out the best in every bite. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to save time in the kitchen while still serving up homemade goodness.

In this guide, we’ll explore eight classic ground beef crock pot recipes that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozy family dinners.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

Effortless Cooking – Let the crock pot do the work while you go about your day.
Budget-Friendly – Ground beef is affordable and versatile.
Crowd-Pleasers – These dishes are loved by both kids and adults.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make-ahead and store for quick meals.

1. Classic Crock Pot Beef Chili

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
Add beef, tomatoes, beans, onion, garlic, and spices to the crock pot.
Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Serve hot with cornbread or over rice.

Pro Tip: Add a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

2. Slow Cooker Beef and Rice Casserole

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 bell pepper, diced

Instructions:

Brown ground beef and drain fat.
Combine all ingredients except cheese in the crock pot.
Cook on low for 5-6 hours until rice is tender.
Stir in cheese just before serving.

Storage Tip: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

3. Hearty Crock Pot Beef Stew

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
2 potatoes, diced
3 carrots, sliced
1 onion, chopped
3 cups beef broth
1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

Brown the ground beef and add it to the crock pot.
Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Pro Tip: For a thicker stew, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with water and stir in before serving.

4. Cheesy Taco Pasta

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
2 cups pasta (uncooked)
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

Brown ground beef and drain excess fat.
Add all ingredients except cheese to the crock pot.
Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Stir in cheese before serving.

5. Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 6 hours | Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients:

4 bell peppers, hollowed
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 can tomato sauce

Instructions:

Mix beef, rice, and half the tomato sauce.
Stuff mixture into peppers and place in crock pot.
Pour remaining sauce on top and cook on low for 6 hours.

6. BBQ Sloppy Joes

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 4 hours | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 small onion, chopped
4 hamburger buns

Instructions:

Brown ground beef and add to crock pot with sauce and onions.
Cook on low for 4 hours.
Serve on buns.

7. Beef and Bean Enchiladas

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 4 hours | Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 can black beans
8 small tortillas
1 can enchilada sauce
1 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

Brown beef and mix with beans.
Fill tortillas with mixture and roll up.
Place in crock pot, cover with sauce and cheese.
Cook on low for 4 hours.

8. Meatball Stroganoff

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 5 hours | Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (rolled into meatballs)
1 cup sour cream
2 cups egg noodles
1 can mushroom soup

Instructions:

Place meatballs, soup, and sour cream in the crock pot.
Cook on low for 5 hours.
Stir in cooked noodles before serving.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked meals for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth.

Recipe Variations & Customization

Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
Use brown rice instead of white for extra fiber.
Make it dairy-free by skipping cheese and sour cream.

Conclusion

These ground beef crock pot recipes are perfect for making comforting, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Try them out and let us know your favorite in the comments!