Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes – 6 Dinners

Ground beef is a dinner staple, but it can get boring. These 6 slow cooker ground beef recipes transform humble ground beef into mouthwatering meals that practically cook themselves. From classic chili to savory meatballs, there's something for everyone.

Using your slow cooker means minimal hands-on time, and the low-and-slow method makes the beef incredibly tender and flavorful. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, these recipes are sure to become favorites.

Each recipe is designed to be simple, using common ingredients, and yields generous portions for leftovers. Get ready to set it and forget it!

About the Ingredients

2 lbs (900g) ground beef

Opt for 80/20 for flavor and moisture; leaner beef may dry out. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken.

1 medium yellow onion, diced

Adds sweetness and depth. Substitute with 1 cup frozen chopped onion in a pinch.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor; use 1 tsp garlic powder if you're out of fresh.

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained

Fire-roasted adds smoky flavor; regular works too. Use crushed tomatoes for a thicker sauce.

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Adds richness; substitute with an extra can of diced tomatoes blended smooth.

2 tbsp tomato paste

Concentrated umami; if you don't have it, omit and add 1 extra tablespoon of tomato sauce.

1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning

Use store-bought or make your own (chili powder, cumin, paprika, etc.) for a custom spice blend.

1 tsp salt

Adjust to taste; if using salted broth or seasoning, reduce salt.

1/2 tsp black pepper

Freshly ground preferred; adds a subtle heat.

1 cup beef broth

Low-sodium recommended; chicken broth or water also work.

1 cup frozen corn

Adds sweetness and texture; canned corn (drained) works too.

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Adds fiber and protein; kidney beans or pinto beans are great swaps.

Tips & Tricks

• Always brown the ground beef before adding to the slow cooker to develop flavor and drain excess fat.
• Don't overfill the slow cooker; leave at least 1 inch of space for ingredients to cook evenly.
• For thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow moisture to evaporate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C). Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.

2. Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This builds a flavor base.

3. Combine in Slow Cooker

Transfer beef and onions to the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir well.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in corn and black beans. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.

5. Cover and Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until flavors meld and mixture is hot and bubbly.

6. Adjust Consistency

If too thin, uncover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-30 minutes to thicken.

7. Taste and Season

Taste and add more salt, pepper, or seasoning if desired.

8. Serve

Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.

Delicious Variations

Cheesy Beef and Rice

Stir in 1 cup cooked rice and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar during the last 15 minutes.

Spicy Southwest

Add 1 diced jalapeño and 1 tsp chipotle powder for extra heat.

BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Replace taco seasoning with 1 cup BBQ sauce and serve on buns.

How to Store Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Try these slow cooker ground beef recipes tonight and enjoy a delicious, effortless dinner. Don't forget to share your favorite variation in the comments below!

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes

Discover 6 easy slow cooker ground beef recipes that are hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.

★★★★½ 4.8 (245 ratings)

15 minPrep time360 minCook time8Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

📋 Instructions

1. 1Brown the Beef — Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F/175°C). Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. 2Sauté Aromatics — In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. This builds a flavor base.
3. 3Combine in Slow Cooker — Transfer beef and onions to the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir well.
4. 4Add Remaining Ingredients — Stir in corn and black beans. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
5. 5Cover and Cook — Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until flavors meld and mixture is hot and bubbly.
6. 6Adjust Consistency — If too thin, uncover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-30 minutes to thicken.
7. 7Taste and Season — Taste and add more salt, pepper, or seasoning if desired.
8. 8Serve — Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This base recipe is incredibly versatile—use it as a filling for tacos, nachos, or stuffed peppers.

Servings: 8

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 22g protein · 18g carbs · 14g fat