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The Only Ground Beef Crockpot Recipe You’ll Ever Need (Set It, Forget It, Devour It)

The Only Ground Beef Crockpot Recipe You’ll Ever Need (Set It, Forget It, Devour It)

This ultra-flavorful ground beef crockpot recipe turns humble ingredients into weeknight magic. With deep, slow-simmered taste and effortless prep, it’s your new go-to for tacos, rice bowls, or baked potatoes.
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 390
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with juices
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
  • 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Slow Cooker
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Brown for 7–9 minutes until deeply caramelized.
  2. Drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon for richness.
  3. Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth, scraping up browned bits.
  5. Transfer mixture to slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, remaining broth, Worcestershire, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  7. 30 minutes before serving, stir in corn and black beans (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve over rice, pasta, in tortillas, or on a baked potato. Garnish with fresh herbs, cheese, sour cream, and lime if desired.

Notes

Meal prep it with rice or veggies, and freeze extras in flat bags for up to 3 months. Want it spicier? Add chipotle powder or fresh jalapeños. For a low-carb version, skip the beans and corn.