When it comes to comfort food, few things beat the simplicity and heartiness of ground beef crock pot recipes. With minimal preparation, you can create flavorful, filling meals that require little attention while cooking. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to feed a crowd, these 10 ground beef crock pot recipes have you covered. From savory stews to spicy chili, each recipe is designed to be stress-free while delivering maximum flavor. Let’s dive into these delicious, time-saving meals!
Key Benefits of Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes
- Effortless Cooking
Crock pots are perfect for busy individuals or families. Just add the ingredients, set the temperature, and let the slow cooker work its magic. The low and slow cooking method helps enhance the flavors, making your meal taste like it took hours to prepare. - One-Pot Meals
Many of these recipes are all-in-one dishes, meaning they include both protein and vegetables, which reduces the need for multiple pots and pans. This makes clean-up a breeze. - Perfect for Meal Prep
Crock pot meals are excellent for making large batches of food that can be enjoyed for several days. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freezer, making them a great choice for meal prepping. - Flavorful and Tender Meat
Slow cooking allows the ground beef to become incredibly tender and infused with the spices and ingredients, offering rich, deep flavors in every bite.For another comforting and hearty recipe, check out our 10 Irresistible Potato and Sausage Recipes You Need to Try Tonight for more delicious meals perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes
- Ground Beef: The base of most crock pot recipes, typically 1-2 pounds, depending on the recipe.
- Vegetables: Common options include onions, garlic, potatoes, carrots, celery, bell peppers, and peas.
- Canned Goods: Beans (black, kidney, pinto), crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and broth.
- Seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Others: Olive oil for browning the beef, sour cream or cheese for topping, and fresh herbs for garnish.
10 Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes
1.Ground Beef Chili: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Dish
This classic Ground Beef Chili is the perfect solution for a cold evening. Packed with ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and a medley of spices, this chili is not only filling but also bursting with flavor. With just the right amount of heat, it’s a meal that will warm you from the inside out.

Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cook)
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 calories per serving (estimate)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Transfer to the Crock Pot: Add the browned beef to your crock pot along with kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir and Cook: Stir everything to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve the chili with optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 6g
- Fiber: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Potassium: 600mg
- Vitamin A: 8% of daily value
- Vitamin C: 15% of daily value
- Calcium: 6% of daily value
- Iron: 20% of daily value
Pro Tips
- Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the chili powder or add a chopped jalapeño or cayenne pepper.
- Add Extra Veggies: To make the chili even heartier, try adding bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.
- Meal Prep: This chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings: Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions for an added burst of flavor.
- Side Dishes: Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for a satisfying meal.
- Perfect Pairings: Enjoy with a side salad for a balanced meal or some crusty bread to soak up the chili.
This Ground Beef Chili is not only easy to make but also a comforting, flavorful meal that will become a family favorite. Perfect for busy days or cozy evenings, it’s a dish that you can set and forget while it slow-cooks to perfection. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and sides for a satisfying and warming meal.
2. Beef Stew: A Hearty, Comforting Meal
This savory Beef Stew is filled with tender chunks of beef, hearty potatoes, carrots, and peas, all simmered in a flavorful beef broth. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner that will warm you up from the inside out. Ideal for those colder evenings or when you need a comforting meal, this stew is packed with flavor and nutrition.For more delicious and comforting ground beef slow cooker recipes, check out Allrecipes’ Ground Beef Slow Cooker Recipes.

Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-8 hours (slow cook)
- Total Time: 7-8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 400 calories per serving (estimate)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef (or stew beef)
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef (or stew beef) over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer to the Crock Pot: Add the browned beef to your crock pot along with the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, peas, chopped onion, beef broth, and tomato paste.
- Season and Cook: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine, then cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the stew is ready, serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy the comforting and hearty flavors of this stew!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fiber: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 950mg
- Vitamin A: 25% of daily value
- Vitamin C: 15% of daily value
- Calcium: 6% of daily value
- Iron: 25% of daily value
Pro Tips
- Beef Options: While ground beef works well, using stew beef or chuck roast will give you tender, bite-sized pieces of meat that add extra richness to the stew.
- Add Extra Veggies: You can add parsnips, celery, or green beans to enhance the flavors and texture of the stew.
- Thicken the Broth: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash a few of the potatoes in the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: Serve your stew with a warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Perfect Pairings: A glass of red wine or sparkling water will complement the rich flavors of the beef stew beautifully.
This Beef Stew is a perfect combination of tender meat, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, making it an ideal choice for comfort food lovers. The slow-cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a satisfying and warming meal that’s perfect for any cozy evening. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal to last through the week, this stew is sure to be a hit.
3. Beef Tacos: A Simple and Flavorful Meal
These Beef Tacos are an easy and flavorful filling for tacos, perfect for Taco Tuesday or any busy weeknight. With just a few ingredients, this ground beef crock pot recipe is simple to prepare and packed with delicious flavors. Whether you’re using soft or hard taco shells, these tacos will be a hit with the whole family.

Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (slow cook)
- Total Time: 4-5 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 250 calories per serving (estimate)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- Soft or hard taco shells
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, draining any excess fat.
- Transfer to the Crock Pot: Add the browned beef to your crock pot along with the taco seasoning and water.
- Cook and Stir: Stir the mixture to combine and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Assemble Tacos: Once cooked, fill the taco shells with the beef mixture and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or jalapeños.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Vitamin A: 4% of daily value
- Vitamin C: 6% of daily value
- Calcium: 6% of daily value
- Iron: 15% of daily value
Pro Tips
- Taco Seasoning: If you prefer a homemade seasoning, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt for a more personalized touch.
- Meat Options: You can use lean ground beef for a lighter version or substitute with ground turkey for a healthier alternative.
- Spicy Tacos: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the crock pot for a spicier kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Taco Toppings: Enhance the flavor with toppings like shredded lettuce, diced onions, diced tomatoes, cheese, and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget the salsa and sour cream!
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or guacamole for a full meal.
- For Extra Crunch: Serve in hard taco shells for a satisfying crunch or soft tortillas for a softer bite.
These Beef Tacos are a quick and simple dinner that’s full of flavor. With the help of the crock pot, you can set it and forget it while the beef cooks to perfection. Serve with your favorite taco toppings and sides for an easy weeknight meal everyone will love!
4. Spaghetti Sauce
Slow-cooked spaghetti sauce with ground beef is a classic Italian meal that’s perfect for pasta, lasagna, or even just dipping bread.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the beef and drain the fat.
- Add the beef, tomatoes, sauce, onion, garlic, and seasonings to the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over spaghetti or use for lasagna.
Click here to explore the full recipe and get all the steps!
5. Sloppy Joes
A messy and delicious sandwich filling, Sloppy Joes made in the crock pot are a fun meal for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Hamburger buns
Instructions:
- Brown the beef and drain the fat.
- Combine the beef, onion, tomato sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then serve on buns.
Click here to explore the full recipe and get all the steps!
6. Beef Stroganoff
A creamy and comforting dish made with ground beef, mushrooms, and sour cream, Beef Stroganoff in the crock pot is a meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Egg noodles
Instructions:
- Brown the beef and onion in a skillet, then transfer to the crock pot.
- Add the mushroom soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Serve over egg noodles.
Click here to explore the full recipe and get all the steps!
7. Cabbage Rolls
Ground beef wrapped in cabbage leaves and slow-cooked in a savory tomato sauce. A perfect, comforting meal.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 head cabbage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
- Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water until soft.
- Brown the beef and onion, then stuff cabbage leaves with the beef mixture.
- Place the rolls in the crock pot and cover with tomato sauce.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Click here to explore the full recipe and get all the steps!
8. Meatballs
Tender meatballs cooked in a flavorful sauce, perfect for sandwiches or pasta.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp oregano
Instructions:
- Mix the beef, egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then form into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet and place in the crock pot.
- Pour tomato sauce over the meatballs and cook on low for 6 hours.
Click here to explore the full recipe and get all the steps!
9. Lasagna
This slow-cooked lasagna layers ground beef, pasta, and cheese, creating a perfect meal for a crowd.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Lasagna noodles (no-boil)
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Brown the beef and mix with marinara sauce.
- Layer the beef sauce, noodles, and cheese in the crock pot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours, and serve.
Click here to explore the full recipe and get all the steps!
10. Beef and Potato Casserole
An all-in-one casserole with ground beef, potatoes, and cheese—easy to make and satisfying.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 potatoes, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
Instructions:
- Brown the beef and layer with sliced potatoes in the crock pot.
- Top with cream of mushroom soup and cheese.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Click here to explore the full recipe and get all the steps!
Pro Tips and Variations
- Browning the Meat: For most crock pot recipes, it’s best to brown the ground beef beforehand to enhance flavor and reduce grease.
- Spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spice levels based on your taste. Add more chili powder for heat or oregano for a herby kick.
- Vegetarian Options: Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version of these recipes.
- Make-Ahead: Many of these recipes can be prepared the night before and stored in the fridge. Just heat them up the next day or cook them straight away in the crock pot.
Serving Suggestions
- Tacos:
Serve your Beef Tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and a squeeze of lime.
- Chili:
Top your chili with sour cream, shredded cheese, and jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Stew:
Serve your beef stew with a slice of warm, crusty bread for a comforting meal.
- Sloppy Joes:
Pair Sloppy Joes with a side of crispy fries or a simple salad.
Conclusion
These 10 ground beef crock pot recipes offer a variety of hearty, delicious meals that are both easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. From classic chili to creamy beef stroganoff, these dishes are sure to become staples in your home. Don’t forget to get creative with your ingredients and toppings to make each recipe your own!
FAQs
What can I do with ground beef in a crockpot?
There are many delicious ground beef crock pot recipes you can try! Some of the most popular dishes include chili, spaghetti sauce, sloppy joes, beef stew, and tacos. The beauty of using a crock pot is that you can create a variety of hearty, comforting meals with minimal effort. Simply combine ground beef with vegetables, seasonings, and liquids, and let the slow cooker do the work!
Can you put raw ground beef in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can put raw ground beef in a slow cooker for many ground beef crock pot recipes. However, some recipes recommend browning the ground beef first to enhance its flavor and to reduce excess fat. It also helps with achieving a better texture, but it’s not always necessary, especially for recipes like chili or stews.
What meals can be made from ground beef?
Ground beef is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of ground beef crock pot recipes. Some popular options include beef stew, tacos, spaghetti sauce, lasagna, chili, sloppy joes, meatballs, and casseroles. You can easily adapt these recipes by adding vegetables, beans, or different seasonings to fit your taste.
Do you have to brown ground beef before putting in a crock pot?
While not required for all ground beef crock pot recipes, browning ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker is often recommended. Browning the meat enhances the flavor and allows you to drain any excess fat, resulting in a cleaner, more flavorful dish. For some recipes like chili, however, you can skip the browning step.
Can you put raw hamburger in a crockpot to make chili?
Yes, you can put raw hamburger (ground beef) in a crockpot to make chili. Many ground beef crock pot recipes for chili don’t require you to brown the meat first. Simply add the raw ground beef, along with beans, tomatoes, spices, and other ingredients, and let it cook slowly for several hours to develop deep, rich flavors.
Why can’t you put raw meat in a slow cooker?
It’s generally safe to put raw meat in a slow cooker, but it’s important to cook it at the proper temperature to avoid food safety risks. If you’re using ground beef crock pot recipes, make sure the slow cooker reaches a temperature of at least 140°F (60°C) to prevent bacteria growth. It’s recommended to brown the meat first for better texture and flavor, but it is not strictly necessary for all recipes.

Ground Beef Chili
Equipment
- Skillet
- Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the browned beef to your crock pot along with kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
- Once cooked, serve the chili with optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions.
Notes

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef or stew beef
- 3 potatoes diced
- 3 carrots sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef (or stew beef) over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the browned beef to your crock pot along with the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, peas, chopped onion, beef broth, and tomato paste.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything to combine, then cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
- Once the stew is ready, serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes

Beef Tacos
Equipment
- Skillet
- Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- soft or hard taco shells
- optional toppings shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, draining any excess fat.
- Add the browned beef to your crock pot along with the taco seasoning and water.
- Stir the mixture to combine and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
- Once cooked, fill the taco shells with the beef mixture and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, or jalapeños.
2 thoughts on “10 Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes: Comfort Food Made Easy”