Looking for slow cooker ground beef recipes that go beyond your classic Bolognese? Here are 27 tasty slow cooker recipes to up your crockpot game!
There is nothing quite like taking the time to slow cook your meat. And while doing so on the stove can be time-consuming, a Crockpot will do this job almost without your involvement.
If you’re looking for some dump-and-forget-about-it recipes for your ground beef, you’ve come to the right place!
From stews, chilis, and soups to fillings, sauces, and meatloaf, this post will definitely show you how to use your crockpot to the maximum and cook the ultimate crockpot beef dishes!
Table of Contents
How Long Does Ground Beef Cook in a Crockpot?
The best thing about ground beef is that it can be cooked a lot faster than its former one-piece self. While beef roast may take up to 8 hours, ground beef can be ready for consumption in just a couple.
The best crockpot cooking method is to add the beef at the bottom, spread out evenly, top with your favorite spices and add-ins, and put the lid on.
Depending on the size, the slow cooking time should be about 90 to 120 minutes (per 1-2 pounds of meat) on HIGH.
On LOW, your ground beef should be ready in three hours or so.
What to Make with Ground Beef
Ground beef has to be one of the most versatile red meats because it makes total sense however you cook it.
You can make beef patties, pasta sauce, add it to rice, potato bakes, stews, taco filling, nachos, use it for veggie stuffing (think stuffed peppers!), or simply brown it with onions and garlic and dig right in!
Whatever you decide to make with ground beef, know that you cannot possibly go wrong.
If you’re lacking some beefy inspiration, though, below you will find more than enough ground beef recipes to broaden your beef-cooking horizons.
Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes
Find some of our favorite meals you can make with simple ingredients. These will make for great weeknight dinners the whole family will enjoy.
1. Slow Cooker Bolognese
Source: slowcookerclub.com
Saucy and juicy ragu with minced beef, pancetta, and tomatoes. Of course, the aromatic onion, garlic, carrots, and celery also play an important part.
Made with red wine and beef stock, this slow-cooked Bolognese is the perfect topping for your al-dente pasta.
2. Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Pasta
Source: wholesomefarmhouserecipes.com
Made with canned cream of mushroom soup and some sliced mushrooms (button mushrooms work well), this crockpot pasta beef stroganoff version will become an all-time favorite!
Add your favorite noodles to the sauce, and enjoy your slow-cooked Italian dinner. Check out these side dishes for pasta to make a full meal.
3. Crockpot Spaghetti Casserole
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
Packed with Italian flavors combined with some tangy balsamic and sweet maple touches, this spaghetti casserole with ground beef and bacon is a real keeper.
Drenched in tomato sauce, and infused with fresh basil aroma. Topped with Mozzarella then slow-cooked for four to five hours.
4. Slow Cooker Taco Pasta Bake
Source: brooklynactivemama.com
Browned beef with broth, taco seasoning, salsa, peppers, and pasta, and left to cook for 2-6 hours, depending on the temperature.
In the final stages, cream cheese and shredded cheddar are added for extra creaminess and cheesy bites that will provide the most comforting mouthfeel.
5. Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Source: thekitchenismyplayground.com
With this crockpot version, super moist and fail-proof beef meatloaf is guaranteed.
All you need to do is simply mix the meatloaf ingredients and shape a meatloaf at the bottom of the crockpot, and at the last half an hour of cooking, just dump the sauce on top.
6. Hamburger Stew
Source: thecleaneatingcouple.com
Hamburger stew is just brown ground beef stew with veggies drowned in a tomato sauce.
With peas, carrots, potatoes, and, of course, onions and garlic, this warming pot of nourishment is super nutritious and filling as well.
It can easily be made in the crockpot, Instant pot, or on the stove.
7. Crockpot Pinto Beans
Source: thecaglediaries.com
With so many delightful ingredients, it will be impossible not to devour the whole pot of this pinto bean delicacy.
So creamy, saucy, and meaty, these pinto beans are loaded with ground beef, smoky sausage, pepper, celery, onions, and garlic for the ultimate flavor.
Check out more polish sausage recipes here.
8. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Source: thecozycook.com
Although this crockpot recipe is not the most dump-and-forget-about-it dinner, it surely gives us an easy and fail-proof way to cook meatballs in marinara sauce.
The sauce is just jarred marinara, but add some herbs and spices to it if you want to jazz it up and make it more homemade-y.
9. Baked Beans and Ground Beef
Source: momfoodie.com
Canned pork and beans with beef, onions, peppers, and bacon in a sweet barbecue sauce for the ultimate mouthwatering dinner.
The recipe uses Brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce, which beautifully complement the BBQ sauce. The vinegar gives a tangy kick that simply wraps it all up.
10. Homemade Sloppy Joes
Source: thecozycook.com
Sweet, tangy with spicy hints that only boost the flavor and leave you wanting more, this tomato-drenched and mustardy beef sauce can be used in many different ways if you’re not a fan of buns.
Top the warm sauce with a slice of American cheese while still hot. So irresistible!
11. Slow Cooker Pasta e Fagioli
Source: thelazyslowcooker.com
Hearty, warm, and tomato-y, you will find pleasure in every single sip and bite. Yup, there are a lot of chewy things to fill your tummy here. Pasta, beans, chickpeas, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and onions.
The recipe also uses parmesan rind, but feel free to omit that if you are intolerant to dairy.
12. Sloppy Taco Sandwiches
Source: thelazyslowcooker.com
Gooey, juicy, beefy, and oh-so-incredibly delicious, these loaded sandwiches will please your fast-food craving in a jiffy.
With salsa and enchilada sauce, how can you possibly not fall in love with this ground beef goodness?
For an even more irresistible flavor top the sauce with some shredded cheddar cheese for a nice and sharp cheesy kick.
13. Ground Beef Casserole
Source: amandascookin.com
This ground beef crockpot recipe is practically the definition of an easy-to-make dish.
With just 5 minutes of browning the meat, you are ready to leave this dish simmering and get on about your day for the next 6 hours.
A beefy casserole with macaroni, peppers, corn, cream cheese, and tomato is served!
Healthy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes
Want to explore the healthier side of crock pot beef meals? Here are the delicious meals to have in your folder when you’ve got a couple of pounds of ground beef at home.
14. Chilli Con Carne
Source: slowcookerclub.com
Thrown together in no time while providing a powerful and rich taste, this ground beef chili with beans, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, is bursting with flavor.
Feel free to omit the red chili pepper if you want your dish not to be too spicy.
Check out these Mexican sides to serve with this recipe.
15. Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
Source: mykitchenserenity.com
Ground beef in red enchilada sauce makes the most sense if paired with beans, corn, onion, peppers, and rice.
This casserole is loaded with veggies but also your favorite spices.
Feel free to use paprika instead of chili powder for a heat-free and kid-approved dinner.
16. Veggie Loaded Beef Chili
Source: twopinkpeonies.com
For this recipe, you will need zucchini, carrots, beans, onions, diced tomatoes, and tons of spices, to go with your ground beef.
This is a very mild chili, but if you want to bring the high heat on, make sure to add one diced Jalapeno to the mix for extra spiciness.
17. Italian Hamburger Soup
Source: plattertalk.com
This Italian soup with ground beef and savory herbs makes a nourishing pot of delight that will warm and fill you up in an instant.
Loaded with tomatoes, celery, and some onions, there is nothing but nutrients inside.
And the best part about it is the crockpot cooking, of course.
18. Fiesta Chili
Source: celebrationsathomeblog.com
Fiesta chili is a crowd-pleasing and festive Mexican bowl of ground beef goodness.
Loaded with beef, two kinds of beans, tomatoes, peppers, and corn, you’ve got all of the beloved chili flavors here.
This recipe uses Ranch and Taco seasoning for an even more authentic Mexican flavor.
19. Unstuffed Pepper Soup
Source: thelazyslowcooker.com
Loaded with tomatoes, onions, rice, and cilantro, this beefy pepper soup is anything but tasteless.
With so many nutrients and so different flavors, it will definitely become a lunch regular on your table.
Make sure to brown the beef before dumping everything into your pot, for the absolute best taste!
20. Saucy Taco Meat
Source: dishnthekitchen.com
Making a meat sauce for tacos means there will be lots of beef, salsa, and tons of spices. And just like that, you can crockpot your way to this saucy perfection.
Love this recipe? You might also like these leftover brisket recipes.
21. Gluten-Free Meatloaf
Source: smallfarmbiglife.com
If you’re craving a juicy hamburger but cannot tolerate gluten, then this crockpot meatloaf is probably the best alternative for your fast-food craving taste buds.
Simply combine the long list of meatloaf ingredients, shape it at the bottom of your crockpot pan, and cook for 3 to 4 hours.
22. Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef
Source: wholesomeyum.com
With cabbages, carrots, onions, diced tomatoes, and beef, Italian-style seasoned and cooked in a flavorful broth, this nourishing soup is a crockpot must-make.
Use a shredded coleslaw mix to save yourself some chopping time.
Love this recipe? You might also want to check out these chuck steak recipes.
23. Taco Soup
Source: thecleaneatingcouple.com
This easy recipe uses two kinds of beans, tomatoes, onions, corn, and garlic, but any other veggies that you enjoy can be a great addition here.
So delicious and hearty, this loaded soup makes one healthy lunch or dinner.
Keto Crockpot Recipes with Ground Beef
Does your state of Ketosis forbid you to indulge in a carb-loaded easy meal after a long day? Then these lovely easy crock pot recipes are perfect for your low-carb table.
24. Healthy Cabbage Roll Soup
Source: theshortordercook.com
Loaded with ground beef, cauliflower rice, onions, tomato sauce, and tons of spices, this hearty cabbage soup is a definite must-try.
Made in the crockpot for the ultimate convenience, you can rest assured that the cabbage will be tender and the soup souper delicious after hours of slow cooking.
25. Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Source: bobbiskozykitchen.com
The peppers are stuffed with ground beef, cheese, and some citrusy and zesty cauliflower rice.
Seasoned with a Mexican blend, slow-cooked to perfection, and then topped with some more cheese, there is nothing but mouthwatering bites here.
26. Low Carb Taco Casserole
Source: wholesomeyum.com
So easy to make and with just ten minutes of prep time, this beefy mix with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and yes, taco seasoning, will become the ultimate last-minute dinner choice in your house.
Topped with some lettuce, avocado slices, and sour cream, how can you possibly not ask for seconds?
27. Cabbage Roll Soup
Source: housewivesoffrederickcounty.com
This soup is simple to make, budget-friendly, and nourishing.
Just diced tomatoes, cabbage, beef, onion, garlic, and your favorite spices. The beef is browned and then all is combined for a slow-cooking session.
After six hours of soaking all of the flavorful notes, this cabbage soup will pack such a hearty and delightful punch.