If you’re looking for a super simple, flavorful dinner that the whole family will love, this Asian Ground Beef Crockpot recipe is a must-try. It’s a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and just a little tangy, all made right in your slow cooker. The best part? It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and you can serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps! Plus, you toss it all in the crockpot and let it do the work—my favorite kind of recipe. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Pro Tips
- Pre-brown the beef: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot brings out extra flavor and prevents it from clumping together.
- Adjust sweetness/saltiness: Start with the recommended amounts of soy sauce and brown sugar, but you can always tweak it to your family’s taste after cooking.
- Add veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or broccoli florets during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Double it: This recipe freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for later.
- Kid-friendly tip: Serve it with noodles or rice and let kids sprinkle their own sesame seeds and green onions—they love being “in charge” of their food!
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet (for browning the beef)
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions & Variations
- Ground turkey or chicken: Use either for a leaner option.
- Soy sauce alternative: Swap for tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
- Sugar-free: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or honey instead of brown sugar.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like heat.
- No rice? Serve it in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the sauce ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, brown the beef, toss everything in the crockpot, and you’re good to go!
Instructions
1. Brown the beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
2. Mix the sauce
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
3. Add to crockpot
Place the browned beef in the crockpot and pour the sauce over it. Stir to combine. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch until smooth. Stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.
5. Serve and garnish
Spoon the beef over cooked rice or noodles. Top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Conclusion
This easy Asian Ground Beef Crockpot recipe is the perfect mix of flavor, simplicity, and comfort. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try it out, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your tips, variations, or questions. Happy cooking! 🍴
