Hey there! If you’re looking for an easy, healthy dinner that your whole family will actually enjoy, you’re in the right spot. This Whole30 Ground Beef Crockpot recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. It’s packed with flavor, super versatile, and best of all—it’s completely hands-off! Just toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. The result? A hearty, comforting meal that’s Whole30-approved, kid-friendly, and great for leftovers.
Trust me, this recipe has saved us on so many weeknights. You’ll love how simple it is, and your family will love how delicious it tastes. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or leaner works well)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 1 cup cauliflower rice (optional, for extra veggies)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Tools & Utensils:
- A 4-quart (or larger) crockpot
- Cutting board and knife
- Skillet or frying pan (optional, for browning beef)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Pro Tips
- Brown the Beef First (Optional): While you can toss the raw beef right into the crockpot, browning it in a skillet with a little olive oil first adds extra flavor.
- Keep It Kid-Friendly: If your kids don’t like spicy food, skip the chili powder or use just a pinch. You can always add hot sauce to your own plate later!
- Use Pre-Chopped Veggies: If you’re short on time, grab pre-diced onion, bell peppers, and cauliflower rice from the store. It’s a huge time-saver!
- Double the Recipe for Meal Prep: This freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch and saving half for another day.
Tools You’ll Need
- A 4-quart (or larger) crockpot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Skillet (if browning beef)
- Wooden spoon
Substitutions & Variations
- Ground Beef Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Spice Level: Want it spicier? Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chop all your veggies the night before and store them in the fridge.
- You can brown the beef and refrigerate it overnight, so it’s ready to go in the morning.
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef (Optional)
Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Ingredients to Crockpot
In the crockpot, combine the browned beef, diced onion, bell peppers, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with juices), cauliflower rice, and all the spices. Stir everything together.
3. Cook on Low
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the veggies are tender, and the flavors are well blended.
4. Garnish and Serve
When ready to serve, stir the mixture one last time and taste for seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot, as-is or over a bed of cauliflower rice.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Wrap-Up
And there you have it! An easy, flavorful Whole30 Ground Beef Crockpot recipe that’s perfect for busy families. I hope you and your crew enjoy it as much as we do. Don’t forget to share how it turned out for you in the comments below—did you make any fun swaps or tweaks? I’d love to hear all about it! 😊
