There’s something about the slow cooker that feels like a small kitchen miracle. I remember one weeknight when the clock was racing ahead, and the idea of standing over the stove was just too much. I tossed ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions into the slow cooker along with a tomato-based sauce, hoping for the best. The scent that filled the house hours later was worth every minute of waiting — warm, rich, and just the kind of comfort food that makes you sink into your chair and sigh. I wasn’t super precise about chopping the vegetables; some pieces were bigger than others, but honestly, that unevenness made every bite a little different. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest and satisfying.
This slow cooker hamburger ground beef dinner is that kind of meal. It’s the kind of dinner you can almost forget about, only to be rewarded with a cozy, hearty dish when you’re ready to eat. It’s a reminder that sometimes simple is all you need.
- Hands-off cooking means you can focus on other things while dinner simmers.
- The tomato-based sauce brings a tangy depth without being overpowering.
- Vegetables and beef cook together, blending flavors into a comforting whole.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- Not every bite is exactly the same, which makes it feel more homemade.
If you’re worried about timing, it’s pretty forgiving — a little extra time in the slow cooker won’t turn this dinner into a disaster. Just keep an eye on your vegetables if you’re cooking longer than suggested.
PrintSlow Cooker Hamburger Ground Beef Dinner
A hearty and comforting slow cooker dinner featuring ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions simmered 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
1.5 pounds ground beef
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Transfer the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker.
Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
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, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
Serve hot and enjoy your hearty slow cooker hamburger ground beef dinner.
Using a slow cooker takes the pressure off needing special equipment. A decent-sized pot and your slow cooker are all you need. When I serve this, a crusty piece of bread or a simple green salad feels just right alongside. Sometimes I swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a slightly different flavor — nothing too wild, but enough to keep things interesting. I haven’t tried it with frozen veggies, but I imagine it would work if you adjust the cooking time a bit. Leftovers warm up well the next day and sometimes taste even better.
FAQ
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? You can skip it or substitute with a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for a different angle.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables? I haven’t tested it fully, but it might work if you reduce the cooking time slightly.
Give this a try when you want dinner without the drama. It’s a simple, satisfying way to fill the table and your belly.