It’s one of those evenings where you’re juggling a dozen things and the last thing you want is to stand over the stove. This slow cooker hamburger ground beef dinner is exactly what I reach for during those moments. The aroma of simmering tomatoes mingled with garlic and herbs fills the air halfway through the day, signaling that comfort is on its way without any extra effort from me.
One afternoon, I remember setting everything up—browned the beef, tossed in the potatoes and carrots, poured in the sauces—and then promptly got distracted scrolling through my phone for a bit longer than I intended. When I finally checked, the kitchen smelled like a little Italian trattoria, and the potatoes were tender, though I might have left it cooking a few minutes longer than necessary. No harm done. The peas added near the end brought a pop of color and sweetness, and the sauce thickened just right. It wasn’t fancy, but it was exactly the kind of meal that makes a busy night feel a little more manageable.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Hands-off cooking means you can prep quickly and let the slow cooker do the rest.
- The combination of ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables creates a hearty, complete meal in one pot.
- The sauce thickens beautifully, but it’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- It’s a forgiving recipe; slight timing differences don’t ruin the dish, so no stress if you’re a bit late to dinner.
If you’re feeling a bit unsure about slow cooker meals, this one is pretty straightforward. Even if you forget to set the timer exactly right, it tends to come out just fine, which is a relief in my book.
PrintSlow Cooker Hamburger Ground Beef Dinner
A hearty and comforting slow cooker dinner featuring ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables simmered to perfection in a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal with minimal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
4 medium red potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Transfer the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker.
Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, diced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juice.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen green peas.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Stir well and serve hot.
Kitchen Notes: I usually use whatever slow cooker I have around; no need for fancy gadgets here. This dinner pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Sometimes I swap in sweet potatoes for a different flavor, or add mushrooms if I have them on hand, but honestly, the classic combo is hard to beat. If you want a little more heat, a pinch of chili flakes stirred in near the end works nicely, though I haven’t tested that too thoroughly.
FAQ
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble everything the night before and refrigerate, then start the slow cooker in the morning. Just add the peas and cornstarch mixture closer to serving time.
Can I freeze leftovers? It’s best not to freeze this one because the potatoes might get mushy after thawing.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce? A splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can substitute if you’re out.
Give this dinner a try when you need a fuss-free meal with big flavors. It’s one of those recipes that quietly earns a spot in your regular rotation.