Let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about coming home to the smell of a delicious meal waiting for you, and that’s exactly what you get with this ground beef crockpot recipe! I love how simple and hearty it is—perfect for busy weeknights or when I just want a comforting dish without all the fuss. You toss everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it while you go about your day. Seriously, it’s that easy! The rich flavors of the seasoned beef, combined with the warmth of the veggies, create a cozy hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. You’ll be amazed at how just a few ingredients can come together to create something so satisfying!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes
Alright, let’s dive into making this flavorful ground beef crockpot recipe! It couldn’t be simpler, and I promise, the end result is comfort food at its best. First up, we need to brown the ground beef. In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula—this helps it cook evenly and gives that lovely texture. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat and toss it into your crockpot.
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, just until they’re softened and fragrant—this is where the magic happens! Now, transfer this onion-garlic goodness to the crockpot with the beef. You’re going to want to add in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn. Sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
Now it’s time to let the crockpot do its thing! Cover it up and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better for those flavors to meld together. Once it’s ready, you’ll have a hearty dish that’s perfect for serving up!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the crockpot.
- Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add to the crockpot.
- Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of drained kidney beans, and 1 can of drained corn.
- Add 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy—just brown the meat, toss everything in the crockpot, and let it cook!
- Perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy Sunday; you can set it and forget it.
- Loaded with hearty ingredients that make for a filling meal without breaking the bank.
- The flavors deepen as it cooks, making it even more delicious by dinnertime.
- Customizable! You can switch up the beans or veggies to suit your taste.
- It’s gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a healthy choice for everyone.
Tips for Success
To ensure your ground beef crockpot recipe turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I’ve gathered over the years. First, don’t skip the browning step! It adds depth and flavor, making your dish so much richer. Also, when seasoning, taste as you go; everyone’s salt preference is different, and a little tweak can make a big difference. If you want to amp up the heat, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. And remember, the longer you let it cook on low, the more the flavors mingle, so patience is key! Lastly, if you have leftovers, they taste even better the next day—just store them in an airtight container in the fridge!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for this hearty ground beef crockpot recipe per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But one thing’s for sure: you’re getting a hearty, filling meal that won’t weigh you down!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it first before browning. It’s best to plan ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use the microwave to defrost it quickly. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot.
What can I substitute for kidney beans?
No problem! You can easily swap kidney beans for black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. It’s all about what you like and have on hand. Each type will add a unique flavor and texture!
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! If you love a kick, add chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also top each serving with some hot sauce for an extra layer of heat.
How do I store leftovers?
Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to two months. Just let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I cook this on high if I’m short on time?
Yes, you can! Cooking on high will take about 3-4 hours. Just keep in mind that the flavors might not meld as beautifully as when cooked low and slow, but it will still be delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this ground beef crockpot recipe is super easy! Just let the dish cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for quick lunches or snacks. If you want to enjoy it later, feel free to freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it’ll last for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
For reheating, you can either use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. If you prefer the stovetop, simply place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Just like that, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
Serving Suggestions
To create a complete meal around this delicious ground beef crockpot recipe, I love to serve it alongside a fluffy bed of rice or warm tortillas. They soak up all those amazing flavors and make every bite even more satisfying! You could also whip up a quick side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and avocado for a refreshing contrast. If you want to add some crunch, tortilla chips or cornbread are fantastic options. And don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for that extra creaminess—trust me, it takes this dish to the next level!
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Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes: 5 Ways to Comfort Your Soul
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and hearty ground beef crockpot recipe that you can prepare with ease.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can corn (15 oz), drained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can customize the beans and vegetables based on your preference.
- Serve with rice or tortillas for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef crockpot recipes
