The Best Crock Pot Recipes with Ground Beef for Busy Weeknights

Weeknights can be hectic, and finding time to cook a hearty meal isn’t always easy. That’s where your slow cooker comes to the rescue! With minimal prep and hands-free cooking, crock pot recipes with ground beef are a lifesaver for busy families. Whether you’re craving a comforting chili, a cheesy casserole, or a flavorful pasta dish, these recipes are both effortless and satisfying. Just set it, forget it, and come home to a delicious meal everyone will love!

Why Crock Pot Meals with Ground Beef Are Perfect for Busy Nights

After a long, hectic day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s where crock pot meals with ground beef come to the rescue! These meals are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor. Here’s why they are the ultimate go-to option for busy nights:

1. Minimal Prep Time

Most crock pot ground beef recipes require little to no prep work. Simply brown the beef, toss in a few ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. No need to stand over the stove or worry about multiple pots and pans!

2. Set It and Forget It

The beauty of slow cooking is that once you set the timer, you can walk away. Whether you’re working late, running errands, or helping the kids with homework, your meal is cooking itself in the background.

3. Budget-Friendly and Versatile

Ground beef is one of the most affordable and versatile proteins you can buy. You can use it to create a wide variety of dishes, from chili and meatballs to tacos and casseroles—all with just a handful of ingredients.

4. Delicious, Deep Flavors

Slow cooking allows flavors to meld together beautifully. Spices, sauces, and seasonings have time to infuse into the beef, creating rich, hearty, and mouthwatering meals.

5. Family-Friendly and Customizable

Crock pot ground beef recipes are loved by both adults and kids. Plus, you can easily adjust seasonings and ingredients to cater to picky eaters or dietary preferences.

6. Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Most crock pot meals make large portions, which means you can enjoy leftovers the next day. They also freeze well, making them a great option for batch cooking and meal planning.

7. Less Cleanup, Less Stress

Since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. No mountain of dishes to wash—just a quick wipe down of your slow cooker, and you’re done!

Whether you’re craving a hearty lasagna soup, a comforting beef stew, or a cheesy taco casserole, crock pot meals with ground beef are the perfect solution for effortless weeknight dinners.

Classic Comfort Crock Pot Recipes with Ground Beef

Here are some classic comfort crock pot recipes with ground beef that are perfect for busy nights:

1. Slow Cooker Classic Chili

A hearty, flavorful chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. Let it simmer all day for a rich and comforting dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess grease.
2. Add all ingredients to the crock pot and stir.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cornbread.

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2. Slow Cooker Beef & Macaroni Casserole

Think of this as a lazy lasagna! This cheesy, meaty dish is pure comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (add last 30 minutes)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef, drain, and add it to the crock pot.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, onion, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. In the last 30 minutes, stir in the elbow macaroni and let it cook.
5. Top with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving.

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3. Crock Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs

A cozy and delicious meal featuring juicy meatballs smothered in a rich brown gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, and garlic powder. Form into meatballs.
2. Brown the meatballs in a skillet (optional but recommended).
3. Place in the crock pot and pour in the soup, broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

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4. Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Casserole

All the flavors of stuffed peppers but in an easy one-pot dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup uncooked rice
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef, then drain and add to the crock pot.
2. Stir in bell peppers, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, rice, and seasoning.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Top with shredded cheese before serving.

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5. Crock Pot Taco Soup

A Tex-Mex-inspired soup that’s comforting and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef and drain excess fat.
2. Add all ingredients to the crock pot and stir.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

Family-Friendly Pasta Dishes with Ground Beef

Here are some family-friendly pasta dishes with ground beef that are perfect for easy and delicious weeknight meals:

1. One-Pot Cheesy Beef Pasta

A kid-friendly meal that tastes like homemade Hamburger Helper—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups elbow macaroni or small pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
4. Add the pasta and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm!

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2. Slow Cooker Lasagna

All the classic flavors of lasagna but with half the effort!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef, then drain and add to the slow cooker.
2. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Layer broken lasagna noodles over the beef mixture.
4. Spread ricotta cheese over the noodles, then repeat layers as needed.
5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

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3. Beef & Tomato Penne Bake

A baked pasta dish that’s cheesy, comforting, and great for leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cups cooked penne pasta
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Toss with cooked penne pasta and transfer to a greased baking dish.
5. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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4. Skillet Beef Stroganoff

A creamy and comforting beef and pasta dish made in just one pan!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups egg noodles
• ½ cup sour cream

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef, then drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in beef broth, mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add egg noodles, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Serve warm!

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5. Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

A simple yet delicious dish that never fails to please the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 12 oz spaghetti, cooked
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Serve over cooked spaghetti and top with Parmesan cheese.

Healthy & Low-Carb Crock Pot Recipes with Ground Beef

Here are some healthy & low-carb crock pot recipes with ground beef that are packed with flavor but won’t derail your diet!

1. Crock Pot Keto Chili (No Beans)

A hearty and flavorful chili without the carbs from beans!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
2. Add all ingredients to the crock pot and stir well.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with avocado slices, shredded cheese, or sour cream.

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2. Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Casserole

A deconstructed version of cabbage rolls—without the rice!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• ½ head cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef, then drain excess fat.
2. Add ground beef, cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings to the crock pot.
3. Pour in beef broth and stir.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

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3. Keto Beef & Broccoli

A low-carb twist on the takeout favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a soy-free option)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
2. Add beef, broccoli, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to the crock pot.
3. Stir well and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours.
4. Serve as-is or over cauliflower rice.

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4. Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup (Low-Carb Version)

A delicious soup that captures the flavors of stuffed peppers—without the rice!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef, then drain and add to the crock pot.
2. Add chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
3. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

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5. Cheesy Cauliflower & Beef Casserole

A creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for keto and low-carb diets.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• 1 small head cauliflower, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
2. Add cauliflower, beef, heavy cream, and seasonings to the crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving.

Quick & Easy Crock Pot Recipes with Minimal Ingredients

Here are some quick & easy crock pot recipes with minimal ingredients—perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without a long ingredient list!

1. 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Taco Beef

A simple, flavorful beef filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
2. Add beef, taco seasoning, and salsa to the crock pot. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve in taco shells, over lettuce, or in burritos.

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2. Crock Pot BBQ Beef Sloppy Joes

A sweet and tangy twist on sloppy joes with just three ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup chopped onion (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
2. Add to the crock pot with BBQ sauce and onions. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve on hamburger buns or over baked potatoes.

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3. Creamy Beef & Mushroom Soup

A rich and comforting dish with just four ingredients!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
2. Add to the crock pot with soup, broth, and garlic powder. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve over cauliflower rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

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4. Slow Cooker Italian Meat Sauce

Perfect for serving over pasta or zucchini noodles!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
2. Add to the crock pot with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve over pasta, spaghetti squash, or garlic bread.

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5. 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Dip

A cheesy, crowd-pleasing dip for parties or game nights!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
2. Add all ingredients to the crock pot and stir.
3. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve with tortilla chips or celery sticks.

Conclusion

Crock pot meals with ground beef are a game-changer for busy nights, offering convenience, rich flavors, and versatility. Whether you’re looking for classic comfort food, family-friendly pasta dishes, low-carb options, or quick and easy recipes with minimal ingredients, the slow cooker makes meal prep effortless.

By letting the crock pot do the work, you can enjoy hearty, homemade meals with minimal effort—perfect for feeding your family or meal prepping for the week. Try out these recipes, experiment with your favorite flavors, and discover just how simple and satisfying slow cooker ground beef dishes can be!

Crispy Burger Delight The Secret to a Perfectly Crunchy Patty – labelrecipes.com

100 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes To Make in Your Crock Pot® | Slow Cooker Ideas | Food Network