Ground beef is the unsung hero of weeknight dinners—cheap, versatile, and impossible to mess up (unless you’re trying). Crock pots? They’re basically magic cauldrons that turn laziness into gourmet meals.
Combine the two, and you’ve got a meal prep cheat code. No fancy skills, no babysitting the stove, just dump, cook, and devour. Who has time for complicated recipes when Netflix isn’t going to watch itself?
What Makes This Recipe a Game-Changer
First, it’s stupidly easy.
We’re talking 10 minutes of prep, max. Second, ground beef absorbs flavors like a sponge, so even the laziest seasoning job tastes legendary. Third, your crock pot does the heavy lifting while you nap, work, or pretend to adult.
And finally, leftovers taste even better the next day—if they last that long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 for flavor, or leaner if you’re into that)
- 1 onion, diced (unless you hate flavor)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 5, we don’t judge)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra drama)
- 1 can tomato sauce (the glue holding this masterpiece together)
- 1 tbsp chili powder (or more, live dangerously)
- 1 tsp cumin (non-negotiable)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, but be generous)
- 1 cup beef broth (water in a pinch, but broth wins)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the beef. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain the fat unless you’re into greasy spoon vibes.
- Sauté the onions and garlic. In the same skillet, toss in the onions and garlic. Cook until soft—about 3 minutes.
Pro tip: This step is optional, but skipping it is like wearing socks with sandals.
- Dump everything in the crock pot. Beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, sauce, spices, broth. Stir like you mean it.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors throw a party in your mouth.
- Taste and adjust. Need more salt? More spice?
Fix it now. You’re the boss.
How to Store Like a Pro
Let the meal cool before packing it into airtight containers. Fridge life: 3-4 days.
Freezer life: 3 months (thaw overnight in the fridge). Reheat on the stove or microwave, but don’t blame us if your coworkers steal it.
Why This Recipe Wins at Life
It’s budget-friendly, meal-prep gold, and customizable. Kids love it, adults love it, even picky eaters cave.
Plus, it’s forgiving—forget to stir? Who cares. Overcook it?
Still edible. Under-seasoned? Fix it later.
Crock pots don’t judge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not browning the beef first. Sure, you can skip it, but the flavor will ghost you.
- Overcrowding the crock pot. Leave some space or risk a sad, watery mess.
- Adding dairy too early. Sour cream or cheese? Stir in at the end unless you want curdled regret.
Alternatives for the Adventurous
- Swap beef for turkey or chicken. Lighter, but you’ll need extra seasoning.
- Add beans or lentils. Stretch the meal and annoy carnivores.
- Throw in veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work. Hide them if necessary.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Technically yes, but thaw it first unless you enjoy waiting 12 hours for dinner.
FYI, browning frozen beef is a mess.
What if I don’t have a crock pot?
Instant Pot on “Slow Cook” mode works. Stovetop simmers work too, but you’ll need to babysit it. IMO, buy a crock pot.
Can I make this spicy?
Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce.
Just don’t cry about it later.
Final Thoughts
Ground beef + crock pot = the ultimate lazy genius combo. It’s cheap, easy, and tastes like you tried way harder than you did. Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to “I have no time but want to eat like a king” meal.
Now go forth and conquer dinner.