Oh my gosh, if you haven’t yet embraced the magic of ground beef crockpot recipes, you’re in for a treat! There’s just something so comforting about tossing a bunch of ingredients into a crockpot and letting it do all the work. This particular recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it’s not only super simple but also packed with flavor. I remember my first time using a crockpot; I was a little nervous, but I was amazed at how the flavors meld together beautifully over time. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl after a long day. Trust me, once you try this easy ground beef dish, you’ll want to make it on repeat! Perfect for busy days when you just want to come home to a warm, hearty meal waiting for you.
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds of ground beef, preferably 80/20 for a nice balance of flavor and moisture
- 1 onion, chopped (I love using yellow onions for their sweetness!)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce for that rich, comforting base
- 1 cup of beef broth to keep everything juicy
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for that umami kick
- 1 teaspoon of salt, adjust to your taste
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to round out the flavors
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables (like carrots, peas, and corn for color and nutrition)
How to Prepare Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes
- First things first, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. This step is key for locking in flavor, so don’t rush it! Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks.
- Once the beef is nicely browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these together until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes. Wow, the smell is amazing already!
- Now, transfer the beef mixture into your trusty crockpot. Make sure to scrape in all those tasty bits!
- Next, add the diced tomatoes (don’t drain them), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything well to combine – it should look so vibrant and inviting!
- Now, toss in those mixed vegetables and give it a gentle stir again. You want everything to be nicely mixed.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better the flavors meld together!
- Once it’s done, serve hot and enjoy the hearty goodness! You’ll feel like a culinary superstar!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare—just brown, mix, and let the crockpot do the magic!
- Rich and comforting flavors that develop beautifully as it cooks.
- Perfect for busy days; you can set it and forget it!
- Versatile—add your favorite veggies or spices to customize it!
- Feeds a crowd or provides delicious leftovers for quick meals.
- Gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a wholesome choice.
Tips for Success
For the best results with this ground beef crockpot recipe, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skip the browning step; it really enhances the flavor of the beef. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef for a quicker option. Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand—frozen veggies work great too! If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. And remember, every crockpot is a bit different, so check for doneness a little earlier if you’re using a new one. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
This hearty ground beef crockpot recipe yields about 6 servings, with each serving containing approximately 350 calories. You’ll get around 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Yes! You can use frozen ground beef, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can also brown it directly in the crockpot, just be sure to increase the cooking time slightly.
How do I know when it’s done?
The dish is ready when the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. If you’re using a meat thermometer, ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and then pop them in the crockpot in the morning. It’s a real time-saver!
What can I serve with this dish?
This ground beef crockpot recipe pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a warm crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be frozen! Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick meal later.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this delicious ground beef crockpot recipe is super simple! Just let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, it freezes like a champ! Freeze in individual portions for easy meals down the line, and it should last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. It’s just as tasty the second time around!
Serving Suggestions
This hearty ground beef crockpot recipe pairs perfectly with a side of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. You could also serve it with warm, crusty bread for dipping or a fresh garden salad to add some crunch and color to your meal. Enjoy!
Imprimer
Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes to Savor This Cozy Season
- Temps Total: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A simple and flavorful ground beef crockpot recipe perfect for busy days.
Ingrédients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic; cook until softened.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Add mixed vegetables and stir again.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 6 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 75mg
Mots-clés: ground beef, crockpot, slow cooker, easy recipes