Oh wow, let me tell you about this amazing ground beef crockpot recipe! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and the best part? You just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. Seriously, there’s nothing easier or more satisfying. Imagine coming home after a long day to the heavenly smell of seasoned beef, tomatoes, and beans wafting through your kitchen. It’s super convenient for busy days, and you can set it and forget it while you do your thing! This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with friends and family. Let’s dive right into the ingredients!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare This Ground Beef Crockpot Recipe
Alright, let’s get cookin’! This ground beef crockpot recipe is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar in no time. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal!
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
First things first, heat a skillet over medium heat and toss in your 2 pounds of ground beef. Brown it until it’s nice and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial because it adds a rich flavor that’ll really elevate your dish. Make sure to break it up with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Once it’s browned, drain any excess grease (but keep that tasty flavor!) and set it aside.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
Now, in that same skillet, throw in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. Trust me, you’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen! This step helps to develop a deeper flavor that’ll make your dish even more scrumptious.
Step 3: Transfer to Crockpot
Time to get everything into the crockpot! Carefully transfer your ground beef mixture to your beloved crockpot. This is where the magic happens, so make sure to scrape all those tasty bits into the pot! It’s important to combine flavors in the crockpot for that slow-cooked goodness.
Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add in the rest of the ingredients. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and corn. Sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to ensure all those flavors are mixed together nicely. It’s like a flavor party in there!
Step 5: Cooking Instructions
Finally, cover your crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours. This low and slow cooking is what makes the flavors meld together beautifully. Just let it do its thing while you go about your day. When you’re ready to eat, you’ll have a warm and hearty dish waiting for you. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to prepare—just brown the beef and toss everything in the crockpot!
- Rich and comforting flavors that will warm your soul.
- Packed with protein and nutrients, making it a wholesome meal.
- Perfect for meal prep—great for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so you can enjoy it more than once!
- All the convenience of a crockpot means you can set it and forget it.
Tips for Success
To make this ground beef crockpot recipe truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the browning step; it really deepens the flavor and adds that delicious richness. If you want a bit of heat, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the spices. Also, try using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as a garnish when serving—it’s a game changer! If you’re short on time, you can prep the meat and veggies the night before and store them in the fridge, ready to go in the morning. And remember, this dish is super forgiving, so adjust the spices to your taste! You’ll find your perfect balance in no time.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This ground beef crockpot recipe is not just tasty; it’s also pretty balanced in terms of nutrition. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g (Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 3g)
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the hearty goodness packed in each bowl. It’s a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries! Here are some common ones I get about this ground beef crockpot recipe:
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it before browning; it cooks more evenly that way. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it straight from frozen, but it may take longer.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or whatever veggies you have on hand. Just remember, some may require different cooking times, so adjust accordingly!
How do I store leftovers?
Let the leftovers cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for later—just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Of course! Swap out the ground beef for lentils or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious leftovers is super easy! Just let the ground beef mixture cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, feel free to freeze individual portions—just make sure to label them with the date! When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally for even heating. Enjoy your hearty meal again without any fuss!
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Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes for Cozy Weeknight Dinners
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious ground beef recipe cooked in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Transfer the mixture to a crockpot.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, chili powder, and cumin.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice or tortillas.
- You can adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef crockpot recipes
