5 Irresistibly Easy Crockpot Recipes with Ground Beef

Slow cookers are a lifesaver, especially when you're short on time but craving a hearty, flavorful meal. Ground beef is incredibly versatile and lends itself perfectly to the low-and-slow cooking method of a crockpot. These five recipes showcase the ease and deliciousness of combining these two kitchen staples.

1. Classic Crockpot Chili

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying chili.

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Transfer the browned ground beef to your crockpot.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the crockpot and cook on low for 30 minutes, or until softened.
4. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until heated through.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

2. Crockpot Taco Soup

This vibrant and flavorful soup is a simple weeknight dinner solution. It's easily customizable to your spice preference and is a great way to use up leftover taco seasoning.

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup beef broth
• Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Transfer the ground beef to your slow cooker.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, taco seasoning, and beef broth.
4. Stir well to combine.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings.

3. Crockpot Shepherd's Pie

A comforting classic made easy with your slow cooker! This recipe skips the traditional mashed potato topping and incorporates it directly into the slow cooker for a simplified, yet delicious version.

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups mashed potatoes

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
2. Add beef to the slow cooker along with onion, carrots, and celery. Cook on low for 4 hours.
3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and peas. Cook on low for 1 more hour.
4. Top with mashed potatoes in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

4. Crockpot Sloppy Joes

A kid-friendly favorite, made even easier with your slow cooker! This recipe offers a more tender and flavorful sloppy joe than the stovetop version.

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
2. Add the beef to the slow cooker. Add the onion and green pepper and cook on low for 2 hours.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for another 2-3 hours, or until heated through.
5. Serve on hamburger buns.

5. Crockpot Beef and Bean Burrito Bowls

A healthy and customizable meal perfect for a busy weeknight. These bowls are packed with flavor and nutrients, and are easily adaptable to your dietary needs.

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 cup salsa
• Toppings: rice, shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, etc.

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
2. Add the beef, onion, and taco seasoning to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours.
3. Stir in the black beans, corn, and salsa. Cook on low for another hour.
4. Serve over rice with your favorite toppings.

Remember to adjust cooking times based on your slow cooker's wattage and desired level of doneness. Enjoy your delicious and effortless crockpot meals!