Crockpot Ground Beef

Crockpot Ground Beef is an easy and delicious recipe that you can prepare with minimal effort. By using a slow cooker, you can have tender, flavorful ground beef ready for many meals throughout the week. This versatile dish works great in tacos, casseroles, or simply as a hearty topping for rice.

Why Make This Recipe

Making ground beef in a crockpot is convenient and saves time. You can set it and forget it! The slow cooking method helps the beef stay juicy and full of flavor without needing constant attention in the kitchen. Plus, making a large batch means you can easily portion it out for future meals, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

How to Make Crockpot Ground Beef

Making Crockpot Ground Beef is simple and only requires a few steps. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients

• 6 pounds ground beef (90% lean preferred)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked pepper

Directions

1. Start by adding the ground beef, salt, and pepper into a slow cooker that is 6 quarts or larger.
2. Set the heat to low and cover the slow cooker. Let it cook for 1 hour.
3. After an hour, take a wooden spoon and begin crumbling the meat. Make sure to break it up into smaller pieces.
4. Continue to cook for about 8 hours. Stir the beef every 2 hours to help crumbling and ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that every slow cooker heats differently, so you may need more or less time.
5. Once the meat is completely cooked through, you can decide to drain the fat if you prefer leaner meat.
6. Finally, portion the cooked meat into freezer bags. You can freeze it until you’re ready to use it again.

How to Serve Crockpot Ground Beef

Crockpot Ground Beef can be served in countless ways. It makes a great base for tacos, perfect with taco shells, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. You can also use it for spaghetti sauce, sloppy joes, or a rich chili. Serve it over rice or within a burrito for a complete meal. The possibilities are endless!

How to Store Crockpot Ground Beef

To store your leftover ground beef, make sure it’s cool before sealing it in freezer bags. Use a vacuum sealer for longer storage if you have one. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave.

Tips to Make Crockpot Ground Beef

• Use a leaner ground beef for healthier results. 90% lean or higher is best.
• If you want extra flavor, consider adding onions or garlic when cooking the beef.
• Always check the meat’s temperature to ensure it’s at least 160°F (71°C).

Variation (If Any)

If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can add spices such as cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning right into the pot before cooking. This can give your ground beef a unique twist and make each meal different.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen ground beef?
Yes, you can cook frozen ground beef in a slow cooker, but the cooking time may increase and you should check that it’s cooked through.

2. Is it necessary to drain the fat?
It’s not necessary, but draining the fat can help reduce the richness and calories of your dish.

3. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.

Making Crockpot Ground Beef is such a simple process that leads to tasty meals throughout the week. Enjoy your cooking!