11 Crockpot Recipes with Ground Beef for Cozy Weeknights

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 5 PM, wondering how to turn that package of ground beef into a warm, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen? The daily dinner dilemma is real, especially when you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked dish but are short on time and energy.

You want to serve something delicious and satisfying that your whole family will love, but the thought of juggling multiple pots and pans after a long day is exhausting. You need simple, reliable solutions that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, transforming an economical staple like ground beef into a weeknight hero.

The solution is simpler than you think: your slow cooker is the ultimate tool for creating incredibly flavorful, hands-off meals with ground beef. From rich chilis and cheesy casseroles to classic comfort foods, these crockpot recipes with ground beef are designed to save you time, reduce stress, and fill your home with the amazing aroma of a dinner that’s been simmering to perfection all day.

Do You Really Need to Brown Ground Beef for the Crockpot?

While you can put raw ground beef in a slow cooker, browning it first is highly recommended. This crucial step is the secret to unlocking incredible flavor and achieving the perfect texture. Searing the meat in a skillet triggers the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that creates a deep, savory crust and rich, complex flavors that you simply can’t get from cooking it raw in the crockpot.

Browning the beef also allows you to break it up into fine crumbles, preventing it from cooking into large, unappealing clumps. Most importantly, it gives you the chance to drain off excess grease before it goes into the slow cooker. This results in a final dish that is far more delicious, texturally pleasing, and less greasy. For those truly short on time, a great “dump-and-go” hack is to brown ground beef in bulk, freeze it in recipe-sized portions, and add it directly from the freezer to your crockpot.

The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker for Ground Beef Meals

Using a slow cooker for ground beef saves time with hands-free cooking, is energy-efficient, simplifies cleanup, and helps create budget-friendly, flavorful meals with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The low, slow heat tenderizes the meat and allows flavors to meld together beautifully, creating dishes that taste like they took all day to prepare—because they did, but without your constant attention.

Here are the key benefits:

• Hands-Free Cooking: Once you’ve prepped the ingredients, you can set it and forget it for hours. This frees you up to handle other tasks or simply relax.
• Time & Energy Savings: Slow cookers use significantly less energy than a conventional oven, saving you money on your electricity bill.
• Budget-Friendly: The slow cooker is perfect for turning economical cuts of meat, like ground beef, into mouthwatering meals. It’s also ideal for making large batches for meal prep or freezing for later.
• Easy Cleanup: Many slow cooker recipes are “one-pot” meals, meaning you’ll have fewer dishes to wash at the end of the night.

11 Cozy Crockpot Recipes with Ground Beef (Updated for 2025)

Ready to put your slow cooker to work? We’ve curated 11 of the coziest, easiest, and most delicious crockpot recipes with ground beef that are perfect for any night of the week. These family-approved dinners range from hearty casseroles and comforting soups to classic pasta dishes that are sure to become new household favorites. Each recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal fuss.

1. Classic Comfort Beef Chili

This is the quintessential slow cooker meal—a rich, hearty beef chili that simmers all day, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, garlic, canned diced tomatoes, canned kidney beans, canned black beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper. Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet; drain grease.
  2. Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker.
  3. Add all remaining ingredients (except toppings) and stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Pro-Tip: For a deeper, smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with the other spices.

Pin this classic chili recipe for your next game day!

2. Cheesy Crockpot Taco Casserole

All the flavors of your favorite tacos come together in this incredibly easy, layered casserole that the whole family will devour.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, taco seasoning, canned corn (drained), canned black beans (rinsed), salsa, crushed tortilla chips or Doritos, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown ground beef and drain grease. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water.
  2. In the slow cooker, layer half of the crushed chips, followed by the beef mixture, corn, beans, and salsa.
  3. Top with the remaining chips and sprinkle generously with both cheeses.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve with your favorite taco toppings.

Lesson Learned: To prevent soggy chips on the bottom layer, you can mix them with a bit of melted butter before layering. It creates a slight barrier.

Save this easy weeknight dinner to your ‘Taco Tuesday’ board!

3. Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff

This creamy, savory beef and mushroom sauce served over tender egg noodles is the ultimate comfort food, made effortlessly in the crockpot.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, garlic, sliced mushrooms, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, sour cream, cooked egg noodles, fresh parsley.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown ground beef with onion, garlic, and mushrooms; drain grease.
  2. Transfer to the slow cooker. Stir in beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
  4. Just before serving, turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy.
  5. Serve the stroganoff sauce over hot, cooked egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro-Tip: For the creamiest sauce, use full-fat sour cream and ensure the slow cooker is turned off before stirring it in to prevent curdling.

Need a new comfort food favorite? Pin this stroganoff recipe!

4. Homestyle Crockpot Sloppy Joes

Let the slow cooker do all the work to create a rich, flavorful, and perfectly saucy sloppy joe mixture that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, hamburger buns.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown ground beef with onion and bell pepper until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are soft; drain grease.
  2. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
  3. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Serve the sloppy joe meat on toasted hamburger buns.

Lesson Learned: Letting the sauce simmer for the full time in the slow cooker is key. It thickens the sauce and deepens the flavor in a way you can’t rush on the stovetop.

Pin this for an easy crowd-pleasing dinner!

5. Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

This hearty casserole combines seasoned ground beef in a creamy sauce, all topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort dish.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, frozen tater tots, shredded cheddar cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown ground beef with onion; drain grease.
  2. In a bowl, mix the cooked beef with cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, re-cover, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

Pro-Tip: For an extra crunch, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after cooking (if your slow cooker insert is oven-safe) to get the tater tots and cheese perfectly golden brown.

Your family will love this! Pin this Cowboy Casserole recipe now.

6. Easy Crockpot Meatloaf

Yes, you can make a perfectly moist and tender meatloaf in the slow cooker! This method ensures it stays juicy and is topped with a delicious tangy glaze.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper. For the glaze: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, 1/4 cup of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix.
  2. Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the center of the slow cooker.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients (remaining ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar). Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  5. Spread the remaining glaze over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Lesson Learned: Placing the loaf on a bed of sliced onions or a small rack at the bottom of the crockpot elevates it, preventing it from sitting in its own grease and getting soggy.

Reimagine a classic! Pin this crockpot meatloaf hack.

7. Hearty Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

This creamy, cheesy soup has all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger. It’s loaded with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a rich, velvety broth.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, beef broth, milk, Velveeta or cheddar cheese (cubed), salt, pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown ground beef with onion; drain grease and transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until potatoes are tender.
  4. Stir in the milk and cubed cheese.
  5. Cover and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro-Tip: For a true ‘cheeseburger’ experience, top individual bowls with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds just before serving.

Pin this ultimate comfort soup for a chilly evening!

8. Creamy Beef & Noodle Bake

This is a true one-pot wonder. Uncooked egg noodles cook directly in a creamy beef sauce, all topped with melted cheese for an unbelievably easy dinner.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, canned condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, beef broth, uncooked egg noodles, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded parmesan cheese.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown ground beef with onion; drain grease and place in the slow cooker.
  2. Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, beef broth, and uncooked egg noodles to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the noodles are tender, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking.
  4. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the top.
  5. Re-cover and let it sit for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Lesson Learned: Different brands of egg noodles absorb liquid differently. If it looks too thick halfway through, don’t be afraid to add another splash of milk or broth.

Add this one-pot wonder to your ‘Easy Dinners’ board!

9. Slow Cooker No-Boil Lasagna

Enjoy all the comforting layers of a classic lasagna without the hassle of boiling noodles. Just layer the ingredients in your crockpot and let it work its magic.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, garlic, jar of marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese (shredded), parmesan cheese, one egg, Italian seasoning, no-boil lasagna noodles.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic; drain grease. Stir in the marinara sauce.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange a layer of noodles on top (breaking them to fit).
  4. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then a layer of meat sauce.
  5. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
  6. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Pro-Tip: To prevent the edges from burning, you can lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray before you start layering.

Pin the easiest lasagna you’ll ever make!

10. Easy Crockpot Salisbury Steak

Tender, seasoned ground beef patties simmer slowly in a savory onion and mushroom gravy. This is a nostalgic comfort meal at its finest.

• Ingredients: For patties: Ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder. For gravy: sliced onions, sliced mushrooms, beef broth, onion soup mix packet, cornstarch slurry (optional).
• Instructions:
  1. Gently mix all patty ingredients and form into 4-6 oval patties. Briefly sear both sides of the patties in a hot skillet and place them in the slow cooker.
  2. Top the patties with sliced onions and mushrooms.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth and onion soup mix, then pour over the patties.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
  5. If desired, thicken the gravy in the last 30 minutes by stirring in a cornstarch slurry. Serve over mashed potatoes.

Lesson Learned: Briefly searing the patties before they go in the slow cooker is an extra step, but it’s worth it. It helps them hold their shape and adds a huge amount of flavor to the final gravy.

Save this classic comfort meal for your next dinner plan!

11. Simple Slow Cooker Goulash

This American-style goulash is a simple, savory mix of ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni, all cooked together in one pot for an easy and satisfying meal.

• Ingredients: Ground beef, onion, garlic, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, uncooked elbow macaroni.
• Instructions:
  1. Brown ground beef with onion and garlic; drain grease and transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
  4. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Turn the slow cooker to high, re-cover, and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.

Pro-Tip: For a richer goulash, stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the very end until it’s just melted. It makes the sauce wonderfully creamy.

Pin this one-pot goulash for a guaranteed family hit!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Crockpot Ground Beef Recipes

• Brown for Best Results: While not mandatory, browning ground beef before slow cooking drastically improves flavor and texture.
• Embrace Casseroles: Layered dishes like Taco Casserole and Lasagna are perfectly suited for the slow cooker’s gentle, even heat.
• One-Pot Pastas are Possible: Recipes like Goulash and Beef & Noodle Bake can be made with uncooked pasta, saving time and dishes.
• Comfort is Key: The slow cooker excels at developing deep flavors in comfort food classics like Chili, Stroganoff, and Salisbury Steak.
• Plan Ahead: Most of these meals freeze beautifully, making them perfect for future “dump-and-heat” dinners.

People Also Ask About Crockpot Recipes with Ground Beef

Can you put raw ground beef in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can technically cook raw ground beef in a slow cooker. The low, slow heat will cook it to a safe temperature. However, for best results, it’s highly recommended to brown the meat first. This step prevents the beef from clumping, allows you to drain off excess fat, and creates a much richer, deeper flavor in your final dish.

Do I have to brown ground beef before putting it in the crockpot?

You don’t have to, but you should for better quality. Browning ground beef before adding it to the crockpot is a crucial step for quality. It creates flavor through the Maillard reaction, gives the meat a better texture, and gets rid of extra grease. For a true “dump-and-go” option, consider browning beef in bulk and freezing it in portions.

What meals can be made with ground beef in a slow cooker?

Ground beef is incredibly versatile in a slow cooker. You can make a wide variety of meals, including hearty chilis and soups like cheeseburger soup. It’s perfect for layered casseroles like lasagna and taco casserole, creamy pasta dishes like stroganoff, and classic comfort foods like meatloaf, sloppy joes, and Salisbury steak.

How long does it take to cook ground beef in a crockpot?

Cooking time depends on the recipe, but with browned beef, most recipes cook on LOW for 4 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This long cooking time is what allows the flavors of the dish to meld together and become deeply developed. Always follow the specific recipe’s instructions for best results.

Final Thoughts

The slow cooker is truly the busy cook’s best friend, especially when it comes to transforming simple ground beef into something special. These recipes prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience. By embracing your crockpot, you can consistently serve up delicious, budget-friendly, and comforting meals that feel like a warm hug on a plate.

What’s your go-to crockpot recipe for a cozy night in? Share your favorites in the comments below