There’s something about coming home to a meal that’s been quietly cooking all day—like it’s been waiting just for you. This ground beef crockpot recipe isn’t just dinner; it’s the kind of dinner that settles in like an old friend. The scent of garlic and herbs mingling with tomatoes and a hint of paprika sneaks out the slow cooker’s lid, pulling you closer to the kitchen even when you’re still trying to unwind from the day. I remember the first time I tried it, I was halfway through a book on the couch, only to find myself distracted by the cozy smells drifting in. I didn’t plan on stirring it early, but I couldn’t resist. Something about those soft carrots and tender beef stewing together made me realize this recipe is more than just easy—it’s soul-soothing.
It’s not fancy, really. The crockpot does the heavy lifting, and you get to reap the rewards without standing over the stove. I usually toss in frozen peas at the end because they brighten up the dish just enough without stealing the spotlight. Sure, it takes a while, but that’s part of the charm—the slow simmer that turns simple ingredients into a hearty meal.
Why You’ll Love It
- Hands-off cooking: prep in minutes, then forget it for hours—your crockpot does the work while you do literally anything else.
- Comfort in a bowl: the blend of spices and veggies creates a rich, warming flavor that feels like a hug on a plate.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just good, honest ingredients.
- Feeds a crowd or leaves you with plenty of leftovers, which means less cooking the next day.
If you’re worried about it being too bland or one-note, don’t be. The paprika and crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that keeps it interesting without overwhelming. Just be careful not to overdo the seasoning if you’re sensitive to spice; I usually tweak it a bit depending on who’s eating.
PrintGround Beef Crockpot Recipe
A simple and hearty ground beef crockpot recipe perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort. This slow-cooked dish combines ground beef with vegetables and seasonings for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef and transfer it to the crockpot.
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the crockpot.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth.
Add salt, black pepper, dried Italian seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes to the crockpot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6 hours.
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas and cover again to allow them to heat through.
Serve hot as a main dish, optionally with rice, noodles, or crusty bread.
Kitchen Notes: I find that a good, sturdy crockpot makes all the difference here—something that holds heat well so everything cooks evenly. If you’re serving this up, it’s great alongside a scoop of buttered rice or some crusty bread to soak up those juices. You could toss in other veggies if you want—zucchini or mushrooms might work, though I haven’t tested them all thoroughly. Another thing: stirring it a couple of times during cooking isn’t necessary, but I sometimes do it when I’m around just to check on the flavors. And if you want a bit more depth, a splash of Worcestershire sauce at the end can be a nice, unexpected boost.
FAQ
Can I use another type of meat? Ground turkey or chicken could work, but the flavor and texture will be different—and it might dry out more over the long cooking time.
How do I store leftovers? Just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for longer. Reheat gently so it doesn’t dry out.
Can I add more veggies? Yes, but remember that some vegetables release water and can change the consistency. You might want to adjust the broth amount accordingly.
Ready to give this a try? Let your crockpot do the slow work while you relax, then enjoy a meal that feels like it was made with all the time in the world.