🍲 Slow Cooker Ground Beef
Slow cooker ground beef is an easy, hands-off way to prepare beef for tacos, chili, pasta sauces, casseroles, and more. Using a slow cooker makes the beef flavorful, tender, and convenient for meal prep.
🥘 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1–2 lbs (450–900 g) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped (optional)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tsp chili powder, paprika, or other seasonings (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water (optional, for extra moisture)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Pre-Browning (Optional but Recommended)
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef with onions and garlic.
- Drain excess fat.
- This step adds flavor and reduces grease in the slow cooker.
2️⃣ Add to Slow Cooker
- Transfer beef to slow cooker.
- Add seasonings and broth (if using).
- Stir to combine.
3️⃣ Cook
- Low: 4–6 hours
- High: 2–3 hours
- Cook until beef is fully cooked and flavors are blended.
4️⃣ Use as Desired
- For tacos, pasta, chili, sloppy joes, or casseroles.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
💡 Tips
- Extra flavor: Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or Worcestershire sauce.
- Meal prep: Cooked slow cooker ground beef stores well in the fridge (3–4 days) or freezer (up to 3 months).
- Less fat: Choose lean beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce grease.
- Sauce ideas: Add tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, or salsa for different dishes.
If you want, I can also give a slow cooker ground beef recipe with a rich taco or chili flavor that’s ready to serve with minimal prep.
