If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful dinner that makes the whole house smell like an Italian kitchen, you’ve got to try this Italian Ground Beef Crockpot recipe! It’s a family favorite—rich, savory, and so easy to throw together. The best part? The crockpot does all the work while you go about your day! This is a perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, and even picky eaters will love it. Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside some crusty bread to soak up all that saucy goodness. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Pro Tips
- Brown the beef first! While you can technically toss everything into the crockpot raw, browning the ground beef and onion in a skillet adds a ton of extra flavor.
- Customize the spice level. Add more or less crushed red pepper flakes depending on how much heat your family enjoys.
- Let the crockpot do its magic. Cook on low for 6-8 hours to let the flavors really develop. The longer, the better!
- Serve it your way. Over pasta, on a baked potato, in a sub roll as a sandwich, or even over spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.
- Double it up. This recipe freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for a rainy day.
Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet
- Crockpot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Garlic press (optional)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground beef substitute: Swap for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add veggies: Dice up carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers and toss them into the crockpot for a veggie boost.
- Make it creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta at the end for a creamy twist.
- Herb swaps: Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley if you have them!
Make-Ahead Tips
You can brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, just add everything to the crockpot!
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Transfer to the crockpot
Pour the browned beef mixture into the crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), beef broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
3. Cook low and slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours). Stir occasionally if you’re around to help blend the flavors.
4. Serve and garnish
Once done, give the sauce a good stir and taste for seasoning. Serve over pasta, rice, or with bread. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet on the stove or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple, hearty, and family-friendly Italian Ground Beef Crockpot recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home. I hope you enjoy every savory bite, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear how your family enjoyed it or answer any questions you have. Happy cooking! 🍝
