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5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes

Jessica
Slow cooker ground beef recipes that are simple, delicious, and stress-free! Let your slow cooker do the work for you.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs 680g lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth

Seasonings:

  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for heat

For Serving (Optional):

  • Cooked rice pasta, or mashed potatoes
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
  • Shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack

Instructions
 

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon.
  • When the beef is mostly browned (some pink is okay), add diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until fragrant.
  • Drain excess grease if needed (optional for leaner beef).

Step 2: Layer in Slow Cooker

  • Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Add bell pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and all seasonings. Stir well.

Step 3: Cook

  • Low setting: 4-5 hours (best for tender texture).
  • High setting: 2-3 hours (if short on time).
  • Don’t open the lid during cooking to retain heat.

Step 4: Adjust & Serve

  • Taste and adjust salt/pepper if needed.
  • For a thicker sauce: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir into the slow cooker, and cook 15 more minutes.
  • Serve over rice, pasta, or potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs or cheese.

Pro Tips

  • Meal prep: Double the recipe and freeze portions for later.
  • Vegetable swaps: Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots.
  • Gluten-free: Use GF Worcestershire sauce (like Lea & Perrins).

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories Total Fat Protein Carbohydrates Fiber Sugar Sodium
350 kcal 18g 28g 20g 3g 5g 600mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.