Hey there! If you’re looking for a quick ground beef crockpot recipe that’s family-friendly, delicious, and requires minimal effort, you’ve come to the right place. This dish is hearty, loaded with flavor, and perfect for those busy days when you just don’t have time to stand over the stove. The best part? The crockpot does all the heavy lifting while you relax or tackle your to-do list. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, added at the end)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving
Pro Tips
- Pre-cook the ground beef: Browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor and keeps the dish from getting greasy.
- Make it a freezer meal: Prep all the ingredients ahead, freeze them in a bag, and dump everything into the crockpot when ready to cook.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the dish near the end of cooking and tweak salt, pepper, or add a splash of soy or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Serve it your way: Pour it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or serve it with bread for dipping—whatever your family loves!
- Sneak in extra veggies: Add zucchini, spinach, or corn if you have them on hand.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet for browning beef
- Crockpot (4-6 quart size)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Substitutions and Variations
- Meat substitutes: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño for a kick.
- Thicker stew: Stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water at the end to thicken the broth.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Brown the ground beef and chop all the vegetables ahead of time, storing them in the fridge.
- Combine all the ingredients in a freezer bag, freeze, and dump directly into the crockpot when ready to cook.
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
2. Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Add the browned beef to the crockpot along with the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The house will smell amazing as the flavors come together!
4. Add Peas (Optional)
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through.
5. Serve
Ladle the mixture into bowls and serve it on its own, over pasta, or with a slice of crusty bread. Enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months for an easy reheat meal.
Wrap-Up
This quick ground beef crockpot recipe is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s easy, flavorful, and packed with ingredients your family will love. Try it out, and let me know how it goes in the comments! I’d love to hear your variations and tips. 😊
