Slow cookers are a kitchen essential, perfect for preparing delicious, fuss-free meals. Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that works wonders in a slow cooker, transforming into flavorful dishes that are sure to please the entire family. Here are ten scrumptious ground beef recipes to try in your slow cooker.
1. Slow Cooker Chili
Ingredients: Ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Instructions: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, stir, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
2. Spaghetti Bolognese
Ingredients: Ground beef, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Instructions: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, then combine with the other ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve over cooked spaghetti and top with Parmesan cheese.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients: Ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Instructions: Mix browned ground beef with cooked rice, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and seasonings. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then top with cheese and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
4. Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients: Ground beef, mushrooms, onion, garlic, beef broth, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Instructions: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add mushrooms, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook on low for 5-6 hours. Stir in sour cream just before serving. Serve over egg noodles or rice.
5. Taco Soup
Ingredients: Ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, onion, garlic, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Instructions: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, then combine with the other ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and avocado slices.
6. Sloppy Joes
Ingredients: Ground beef, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Instructions: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, then add to the slow cooker with tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve on toasted buns.
7. Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients: Ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, beef broth, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Instructions: Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper, and form into meatballs. Brown the meatballs, then place in the slow cooker. Add beef broth and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Stir in sour cream just before serving. Serve with mashed potatoes or noodles.
8. Ground Beef and Cabbage Stew
Ingredients: Ground beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Instructions: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add chopped cabbage, carrots, potatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Cook on low for 7-8 hours. Serve hot.
9. Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients: Ground beef, enchilada sauce, tortillas, black beans, corn, onion, garlic, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Instructions: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, then layer in the slow cooker with tortillas, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Top with shredded cheese and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Serve with sour cream and chopped cilantro.
10. Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients: Ground beef, mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mashed potatoes, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Instructions: Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add mixed vegetables, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Top with mashed potatoes and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Broil for a few minutes to brown the top before serving.
These slow cooker ground beef recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. They require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor, making meal times enjoyable and stress-free. Happy slow cooking!
