Can You Cook Ground Beef In A Crockpot?

Have you ever wondered if you could cook ground beef in a crockpot? If so, your answer is right here! *Secret: Yes you can!*

Can You Cook Your Ground Beef in a Crock pot?

If you have busy weeknights then you will want to try this method! I’ve been using this slow cooker for my ground beef for a while, and I’ve noticed how much it saves cooking time.

I usually cook five pounds of ground beef at a time, then portion it and store it in the freezer. This allows me to grab a portion and make different meals during the week.

​This is great when the grocery store is running a sale and you can buy in bulk.

Plus, it’s a great way to meal prep; I can always get other things done while the ground meat cooks slowly. Just be sure to stir it every now and then:)

This method allows your ground beef to absorb flavors correctly. When cooked slowly, ground beef develops a unique flavor and tender texture, making it a perfect for tons of recipes.

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How to Cook Ground Beef in a Crockpot

Cooking ground beef in a crockpot or even an instant pot is a no-brainer. You can get it done in a few easy steps and with a few simple ingredients.

1. Place the ground beef in your crockpot (3-5 pounds)
2. Break up the meat with a fork and add water afterward, usually ¼ cup per pound of ground beef.
3. Cook on low setting for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours.
4. Stir the mixture occasionally to allow the beef to cook evenly.
5. Drain off the grease or excess fat.
6. Add cooked ground meat to other recipes or place it into freezer bags before storing it in the fridge/freezer.

Should I Brown Ground Beef Before Placing It in a Crockpot?

No, you don’t have to brown ground beef before slow cooking it in a crockpot. You only need to put raw meat directly into the pot and cook.

Do I Need to Add Oil to the Ground Beef?

You can add oil if you aren’t using a non-stick pot. Besides that, you don’t need to add oil since moisture builds up and mixes with the natural fats released when cooking ground beef.

What Meals Can I Use Ground Beef For?

There are a ton of different hearty meal options you can use ground beef for. From slow-cooker chili recipes to casseroles and even taco night.

Cheeseburger Casserole

I love cheeseburger casserole because it’s a dish that everyone at home can enjoy, including the kids.

All you need to do is add some diced pickles and onions to your ground beef, throw in some shredded cheese, and bake until the combo is sizzling hot and bubbly.

Cheeseburger sliders are easy this way too!

Ground Beef Casserole

Cook some ground beef or even ground turkey, boil some wide egg noodles to al dente, then mix with the other ingredients in a casserole dish.

Pop it in the oven and twenty minutes later then food is on the table. Perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters.

Taco Tuesday Crockpot Beef Tacos

I make Taco Tuesday as often as possible because it’s one of my favorite meals. The crockpot makes the best taco meat around!

Add taco seasoning to the prepared ground beef, and cook until done. Afterward, add your preferred toppings like sour cream, bell peppers, and black beans to make it even more delicious!

Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

Meaty spaghetti sauce over noodles is the perfect dinner idea; after a long day, cooking this easy meal is always a hit!

After cooking up the ground beef, add some Italian spices and marinara sauce to the slow cooker. This is an easy way to get a spaghetti dinner on the table on busy nights.

Leave everything to simmer together to let the flavors combine well. Once done, you can serve the dish with some regular spaghetti, cooked zucchini, or spaghetti squash.

Crockpot Chili

With crockpot chili, I get to decide how spicy or mild I want my meal to be.

Plus, since I already have cooked ground beef, I can throw other ingredients like chili seasoning and black beans into the slow cooker and leave it to cook. Top with cheddar cheese at the end.

Check out all these delicious ground beef recipes to make with all this crockpot beef!

Tips for No Leftovers

• You can cook up to five pounds of raw ground beef, but the amount of water you add will depend on size and fat content of the meat.
• The larger the ground beef quantity, the longer it’ll take to cook.
• This quick and easy meal prep method saves time later on. Works well on ground turkey too!
• Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break up any large chunks a little bit and ensure even cooking.
• You don’t have to use the same spices every time you cook a meat mixture—you can always switch it up.
• Add more moisture to leaner blends of meat to prevent the beef from getting too tough after cooking.
• Use the right pot size. Small portions in a large crockpot will cook it faster and also make the beef dry.

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Cooking ground beef in the crockpot is so easy. Not only does it make the best crockpot taco meat, but you can make family favorite comfort food dishes like sloppy joes or stuffed peppers in a pinch. You are going to love this cooking process and make it easier to try new recipes!

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