Oh, the magic of the crockpot! Seriously, it’s like having a personal chef that just takes care of everything while I get on with my day. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come home to the comforting aroma of *crockpot recipes ground beef* simmering away, making the whole house feel warm and inviting. It’s become a staple for our busy family dinners. I remember the first time I made this hearty dish; my kids couldn’t get enough of it! It’s so simple—just toss the ingredients in, set the timer, and forget about it until dinner time. Trust me, when you’re juggling work, kids, and life, this recipe is a lifesaver. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up something delicious without all the fuss!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can corn (15 oz), drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into this deliciousness! First things first, you’ll want to brown that ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is so important because it adds a ton of flavor! Once the beef is nice and browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. You’ll want to cook them until they’re softened—about 3-4 minutes is perfect. Just imagine that heavenly smell wafting through your kitchen!
Next, drain any excess fat from the beef mixture. We want to keep it hearty but not greasy! Now, transfer that flavorful beef mixture into your trusty crockpot. This is where the magic happens! Add in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those fantastic flavors.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to set your crockpot! Cook it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours—your choice, depending on how much time you have. I love the low and slow method because it lets those flavors really mingle and develop. When you’re ready to eat, just scoop it into bowls and serve hot. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy every warm, cozy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super simple—just toss everything in the crockpot!
- Hearty and filling, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
- Kid-approved! My children always ask for seconds.
- Customizable with your favorite beans and spices.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Minimal cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
Tips for Success
To really nail this recipe, here are some tips I swear by! First, when you’re browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly and develop that rich flavor. Don’t rush this step—let it get a nice golden brown before adding the onions and garlic. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Also, feel free to customize the flavors to suit your family’s taste. Want a little kick? Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. If you’re in the mood for something extra, toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for added veggies! And remember, if you have extra time, the low cooking setting really enhances the flavors, but don’t hesitate to use high if you’re in a pinch. Your crockpot is your best friend here, so make it work for you!
Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? There are so many fun ways to customize this dish! You can try swapping out the kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans for a different flavor profile. Feeling adventurous? Add some diced bell peppers or corn for a pop of color and sweetness. If you love a little heat, toss in some diced green chilies or a pinch of chili powder. You can even switch the taco seasoning for a chili seasoning mix if you’re in the mood for something spicier! The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine through in this hearty meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Just let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If you prefer the microwave, just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot. It’s just as delicious the second time around, trust me!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This hearty crockpot dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 350 calories, with 15g of fat and 25g of protein—perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs. You’ll also get about 30g of carbohydrates and 8g of fiber, which is great for keeping you full and happy. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients or portion sizes. Enjoy every bite while knowing you’re fueling your body with good stuff!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it before browning. You can do this in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Just remember, cooking from frozen will add some time, so keep that in mind!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the taco seasoning for a gluten-free version or use homemade seasoning. Just check the labels on your canned goods to ensure they’re gluten-free as well!
What can I serve with this dish?
This crockpot recipe goes great with rice, tortillas, or even over a baked potato for a filling meal. It’s versatile, so let your cravings guide you!
Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. It’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd!
Crockpot Recipes Ground Beef: 7 Hearty Dishes to Savor
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and hearty crockpot recipe featuring ground beef.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can corn (15 oz), drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Drain excess fat from the beef mixture.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite beans or vegetables.
- Can be served with rice or tortillas.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot recipes ground beef
