Busy Day Savior: 15 Easy Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes
Ah, ground beef – the ultimate comfort food staple! Who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned beefy meal that’s easy on the wallet and can be cooked while you’re out living your best life? 🙌 I know I do! As a busy bee myself, I’ve rounded up 15 mouth-watering ground beef crockpot recipes that are perfect for those chaotic days when cooking seems like a luxury you can’t afford.
From classic tacos to Italian-inspired masterpieces, these easy ground beef crockpot recipes will become your new BFFs (best food friends, duh!). So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get this crockpot party started! 🎉
1. Taco Temptation
Hook: Get ready for a flavorful fiesta in your crockpot!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 tacos shells
- Shredded cheese, lettuce, and any other taco toppings you love
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with tacos shells, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love It: This recipe is a taco lover’s dream come true! The best part? You can customize it with your favorite toppings. 🌯
2. Spaghetti Bolognese
Hook: Who needs takeout when you can have a delicious, homemade Italian feast?
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve over spaghetti and top with Parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love It: This classic Italian recipe is a staple for a reason! Rich flavors and tender beef make it a crowd-pleaser. 🍝
3. Chili Con Carne
Hook: Warm up with a hearty, comforting bowl of chili that’s perfect for any day.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped onions and shredded cheese.
Why You’ll Love It: This classic chili recipe is a game-changer for busy days. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for meal prep. 🔥
4. Shepherd’s Pie
Hook: Get ready for a comforting, homestyle classic that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, peas and carrots, beef broth, and flour.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Top with mashed potatoes and butter.
5. Cook for an additional 30 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It: This classic British dish is a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. 🥔
5. Stuffed Peppers
Hook: Add some color to your meal prep with these vibrant, flavorful peppers!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 bell peppers, any color
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Stuff each pepper with the beef mixture and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: These stuffed peppers are a nutritious and delicious meal that’s perfect for meal prep. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make! 🥗
6. Beef and Broccoli
Hook: Get your daily dose of greens with this easy, Asian-inspired recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground ginger
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, broccoli, beef broth, soy sauce, and ginger.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Why You’ll Love It: This recipe is a healthy, flavorful twist on traditional beef dishes. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes! 🥦
7. Chili Mac
Hook: Get ready for a comforting, indulgent meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup macaroni
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, macaroni, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and shredded cheese.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, topped with additional cheese and crushed crackers.
Why You’ll Love It: This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is a comforting treat that’s perfect for a cozy night in. 🍝
8. Beef and Mushroom Gravy
Hook: Elevate your weeknight meals with this rich, savory gravy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, mushrooms, beef broth, flour, and butter.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, spooned over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Why You’ll Love It: This hearty gravy is a game-changer for weeknight meals. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy evening. 🍴
9. Tater Tot Casserole
Hook: Get ready for a fun, indulgent twist on traditional casseroles!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tater tots
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, tater tots, cream of mushroom soup, and shredded cheese.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, topped with additional cheese and crushed crackers.
Why You’ll Love It: This fun, playful casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make! 🎉
10. Beef Fajitas
Hook: Spice up your meal prep with these flavorful, sizzling fajitas!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 1 packet of fajita seasoning
- 6 small flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese, sour cream, and any other toppings you love
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with tortillas, cheese, sour cream, and your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love It: These fajitas are a flavorful, healthy meal that’s perfect for a busy day. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to customize! 🌯
11. Beef and Vegetable Stew
Hook: Warm up with a hearty, comforting stew that’s perfect for any day.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, zucchini, etc.)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, mixed vegetables, beef broth, and thyme.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs.
Why You’ll Love It: This stew is a comforting, healthy meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables! 🥕
12. Meatball Subs
Hook: Get ready for a flavorful, indulgent twist on traditional subs!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 sub rolls
- Provolone cheese, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and marinara sauce.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve on sub rolls with provolone cheese and your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love It: These meatball subs are a fun, indulgent meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or game day. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make! 🎉
13. Beef and Guinness Stew
Hook: Warm up with a rich, savory stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, zucchini, etc.)
- 1 cup Guinness stout
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, mixed vegetables, Guinness stout, beef broth, and thyme.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs.
Why You’ll Love It: This stew is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a special occasion. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make! 🍺
14. Chili Verde
Hook: Spice up your meal prep with this flavorful, Mexican-inspired chili!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced green chilies
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, green chilies, beef broth, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.
Why You’ll Love It: This chili is a flavorful, healthy meal that’s perfect for a busy day. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to customize! 🌯
15. Beef and Mushroom Gravy over Egg Noodles
Hook: Elevate your weeknight meals with this rich, savory gravy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup egg noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a pan, then transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add diced onion, garlic, mushrooms, beef broth, flour, and butter.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve over egg noodles, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Why You’ll Love It: This gravy is a game-changer for weeknight meals. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy evening. 🍴
The Verdict:
There you have it – 15 easy ground beef crockpot recipes that are perfect for busy days. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Italian dish or a spicy Mexican-inspired chili, these recipes have got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking, and don’t forget to share your favorite recipes with me! 🍳
