Finding easy dinners that your whole family will enjoy does not have to be difficult. Ground beef is one of the most useful ingredients to keep in your kitchen because it works in so many different meals. You can turn it into a cheesy casserole, a warm bowl of soup, a hearty pasta dinner, or a simple sandwich filling.
These Crock-Pot Hamburger Meat Recipes make dinner preparation easier on busy weekdays. Most of the work happens right inside your slow cooker, so you can prepare the ingredients, set the cooking temperature, and let the meal cook while you handle other things.
I have included 20 different ideas in this collection, from classic hamburger soup and sloppy Joes to taco meat, meatballs, and stuffed peppers. You will also find helpful preparation tips, Crock-Pot cooking advice, and storage instructions to make these ground beef meals easier to prepare at home.
Why You’ll Love These Crock-Pot Hamburger Meat Recipes
Easy meal preparation: Most of these recipes use simple ingredients and straightforward preparation. You can brown the hamburger meat, add your ingredients, and let the Crock-Pot handle most of the cooking.
Budget-friendly dinners: Ground beef, potatoes, canned vegetables, beans, and pasta are affordable ingredients. You can combine them in different ways to prepare filling meals without buying expensive ingredients.
Plenty of meal choices: You are not limited to hamburgers or chili. This collection includes soups, casseroles, sandwiches, pasta, meatballs, and Mexican-inspired dinners.
Great for busy days: Slow cooker recipes are useful when you have a busy schedule. Prepare the ingredients earlier, refrigerate them until cooking time, and follow the recipe’s cooking instructions.
Easy leftovers: Many ground beef meals can be portioned into containers and saved for another day. This makes them useful for meal preparation and quick lunches.
What You Need to Make Hamburger Meat Recipes in a Crock-Pot
You do not need a long shopping list or special cooking equipment to make most of these meals. A few basic ingredients and kitchen tools will help you prepare different recipes throughout the collection.
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
Ground beef comes in different lean-to-fat ratios. The best option depends on the meal you are preparing.
- 80/20 ground beef: Contains more fat and works well for meatballs, meatloaf-style dishes, and recipes where you want a richer beef flavor.
- 85/15 ground beef: A useful middle option for casseroles, soups, and everyday slow cooker dinners.
- 90/10 ground beef: Contains less fat and is a good choice when you want to reduce excess grease.
For most Crock-Pot hamburger meat recipes, I recommend 85/15 ground beef. It provides a good balance of flavor and fat. Remember to brown and drain fattier ground beef before adding it to recipes when appropriate.
20 Easy Crock-Pot Hamburger Meat Recipes
These recipes use different combinations of ground beef, vegetables, sauces, pasta, beans, and cheese. Most begin by browning the hamburger meat in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This extra step helps remove excess grease and gives the finished meals a richer flavor.
Category 1: Easy Crock-Pot Hamburger Meat Dinners
1. Crock-Pot Hamburger Potato Casserole
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on Low or 3–4 hours on High
Total: 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Crock-Pot hamburger potato casserole is a filling dinner made with ground beef, sliced potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce. The potatoes become tender as they cook with the seasoned beef, while cheddar cheese adds a rich finish. I recommend using russet or Yukon Gold potatoes because they hold up well during slow cooking. Serve this casserole with a simple green vegetable for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the slow cooker
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the extra grease and season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and milk. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Grease the inside of your Crock-Pot with butter. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom. Add half of the cooked ground beef and diced onion, then sprinkle with some cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, beef, onion, and cheese. Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over everything.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Check that the casserole is hot throughout before serving.
2. Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on Low or 1 ½–2 hours on High
Total: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Sloppy Joes are a classic family dinner that works well for busy weeknights. The ground beef cooks with tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a little brown sugar to create a thick sandwich filling. The slow cooker gives the sauce time to blend with the meat and vegetables. Spoon the finished mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve with potato chips, coleslaw, or green beans.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain the excess grease.
- Add the cooked beef to the Crock-Pot. Stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the beef mixture. Stir well so the meat and vegetables are coated evenly.
- Cover and cook on Low for 3–4 hours or High for 1 ½–2 hours. Stir before serving and check that the filling is thoroughly heated. Spoon onto hamburger buns.
3. Crock-Pot Shepherd’s Pie
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High
Total: 4 hours 25 minutes to 5 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Crock-Pot shepherd’s pie is a comforting meal with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, gravy, and a fluffy mashed potato topping. It is a practical way to make a complete dinner in one slow cooker. The beef and vegetable filling cooks until the sauce becomes rich and flavorful. For the best texture, prepare the mashed potatoes separately and add them toward the end instead of leaving them in the slow cooker for the entire cooking time.
Ingredients
For the beef filling:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the topping:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the grease and transfer the meat to the Crock-Pot.
- Add the onion, carrots, peas, corn, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix the cornstarch with a little cold beef broth until smooth, then stir in the remaining broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the beef and vegetables. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the filling is hot.
- Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a separate pot until fork-tender. Drain them and mash with milk and butter until smooth.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the cooked beef filling. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Cover for another 15–20 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve warm.
4. Crock-Pot Hamburger Hash
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on Low or 3–4 hours on High
Total: 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Hamburger hash is a simple combination of ground beef, potatoes, onions, and seasonings. It is a good choice when you want a filling dinner without preparing several separate dishes. The potatoes absorb the beef broth and seasonings as they cook, while the browned hamburger meat adds plenty of flavor. A little shredded cheddar on top makes the dish even more comforting. Serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and drain the excess grease.
- Place the diced potatoes, onion, and green bell pepper in the Crock-Pot. Add the cooked ground beef and stir gently.
- Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours. Check the potatoes with a fork to make sure they are tender.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the final 10–15 minutes. Cover until the cheese melts, then serve hot.
Category 2: Crock-Pot Hamburger Soups and Stews
5. Slow Cooker Hamburger Vegetable Soup
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on Low or 3–4 hours on High
Total: 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Hamburger vegetable soup is a hearty meal filled with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn, and tomatoes. The broth gets its flavor from the beef, vegetables, and simple seasonings. It is also a useful recipe when you have a few different vegetables in your refrigerator or freezer. You can change the vegetable combination without making the recipe complicated. Serve each bowl with crackers, crusty bread, or cornbread.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup frozen green beans
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 5 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces and cook until no longer pink. Drain the extra grease.
- Transfer the cooked beef to the Crock-Pot. Add potatoes, carrots, green beans, corn, and chopped onion.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf.
- Stir everything together and cover with the lid. Cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir the soup before serving. Add a little extra broth when needed to adjust the thickness.
6. Crock-Pot Cheeseburger Soup
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High
Total: 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Cheeseburger soup brings the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, creamy bowl. Ground beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, and cheddar cheese create a filling meal that works well for lunch or dinner. The cheese makes the broth creamy, while the vegetables add texture. I recommend adding the milk and cheese near the end of cooking so the dairy stays smooth. You can serve it with toasted bread or crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the excess grease and transfer the meat to the Crock-Pot.
- Add the potatoes, onion, carrot, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold milk. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker along with the remaining milk and butter.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring until melted. Cover for another 10–15 minutes if needed. Stir well and serve once the soup is hot and creamy.
7. Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on Low or 3–4 hours on High
Total: 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Stuffed pepper soup gives you the flavor of traditional stuffed bell peppers without filling each pepper by hand. Ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and broth cook together to make a hearty meal. The peppers become tender, and the tomato broth blends with the seasoned beef. For better rice texture, cook the rice separately and stir it into the soup before serving. This also helps prevent the rice from becoming too soft.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 green bell peppers, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups cooked white rice
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, optional
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Break it into small pieces, cook until no longer pink, and drain the grease.
- Add the beef to the Crock-Pot with the diced bell peppers and onion.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the peppers are tender and the soup is hot.
- Stir in the cooked rice during the final 10–15 minutes. Serve with shredded mozzarella on top, if desired.
8. Crock-Pot Poor Man’s Stew
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on Low or 3–4 hours on High
Total: 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Poor man’s stew is a budget-friendly dinner made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and a simple tomato-based broth. It uses everyday ingredients to create a filling meal without requiring expensive cuts of meat. The potatoes and carrots become tender as they cook, and the broth thickens slightly with the help of tomato paste. This is a good recipe to prepare when you want an affordable family meal with very little hands-on work.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the excess grease and transfer the beef to the Crock-Pot.
- Add the potatoes, carrots, and chopped onion. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients.
- In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the beef and vegetables. Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
- Check that the potatoes and carrots are tender before serving. Stir the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Category 3: Cheesy Crock-Pot Hamburger Casseroles
9. Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High
Total: 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Tater tot casserole is a family-friendly dinner with seasoned hamburger meat, creamy soup, vegetables, cheese, and crispy-style potato bites. The Crock-Pot makes the filling warm and flavorful while the tater tots cook on top. Keep in mind that slow cooker tater tots will be softer than oven-baked ones because they cook in a covered, moist environment. For a crispier finish, transfer portions to an oven-safe dish and broil briefly before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the excess grease and stir in the diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Place the cooked beef and frozen mixed vegetables in the Crock-Pot. Pour the soup mixture over the top and stir gently.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the filling. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the casserole is hot and the tater tots are cooked. Add the remaining cheese near the end and cover until melted.
10. Crock-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on Low, plus 20–30 minutes for pasta
Total: 3 hours 35 minutes to 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Cheeseburger macaroni combines two familiar family favorites in one slow cooker meal. Ground beef cooks with tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings to create a savory sauce. Macaroni and cheddar cheese turn the mixture into a filling dinner that is easy to serve in bowls. Add the pasta near the end rather than at the beginning. This helps keep the macaroni from becoming mushy during the longer cooking period.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces and drain the excess grease.
- Transfer the beef to the Crock-Pot. Add the onion, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well, cover, and cook on Low for 3–4 hours. Check that the sauce is hot and the beef is fully cooked.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and milk. Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes, checking the pasta regularly until tender. Add a little extra hot broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Let the macaroni rest for a few minutes before serving.
11. Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Casserole
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on Low or 1 ½–2 hours on High
Total: 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Beef enchilada casserole is a simple way to enjoy Mexican-inspired flavors without rolling individual enchiladas. Seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, tortillas, beans, and cheese are layered in the slow cooker. The tortillas soften as they absorb the sauce, creating a casserole that is easy to scoop and serve. Add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado, or sliced green onions, to make each serving more personal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the grease and stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked beef, black beans, onion, and green chiles to a mixing bowl. Stir in half of the enchilada sauce.
- Lightly grease the Crock-Pot. Spread a layer of tortilla strips across the bottom, followed by some beef mixture and shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers until the ingredients are used. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on Low for 3–4 hours or High for 1 ½–2 hours, until hot throughout and the cheese is melted. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
12. Crock-Pot Cowboy Casserole
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High
Total: 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Cowboy casserole is a hearty meal made with hamburger meat, beans, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and cheese. It combines affordable pantry ingredients into a filling dinner that does not need many side dishes. The beans and tomatoes create a savory base, while the potatoes make each serving more satisfying. You can use pinto beans or kidney beans depending on what you have available. Add a little extra chili powder for more warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the excess grease and transfer the meat to the Crock-Pot.
- Add the diced potatoes, pinto beans, corn, tomatoes, and chopped onion. Stir to combine.
- Mix beef broth with tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the casserole during the final 10–15 minutes. Cover until melted, then serve hot.
Category 4: Crock-Pot Hamburger Pasta and Mexican-Inspired Recipes
13. Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High
Total: 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Slow cooker spaghetti Bolognese is a simple dinner with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and Italian seasonings. The meat sauce cooks slowly until the flavors blend into a thick, savory mixture. I recommend cooking the spaghetti separately instead of adding it to the Crock-Pot at the beginning. This keeps the noodles from becoming too soft. Spoon the finished sauce over warm spaghetti and add Parmesan cheese before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain the excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the onion begins to soften.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the Crock-Pot. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir everything together. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours. Stir the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning.
- Cook spaghetti separately according to the package instructions. Drain and serve with the ground beef sauce. Finish with grated Parmesan cheese.
14. Crock-Pot Taco Meat
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on Low or 1 ½–2 hours on High
Total: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Crock-Pot taco meat is useful when you need an easy filling for tacos, burritos, nachos, or rice bowls. Ground beef cooks with taco seasoning, salsa, onions, and a little beef broth. The slow cooker allows the seasonings to blend into the meat while keeping the filling moist. You can prepare a larger batch for family taco night and save extra portions for another meal. Set out lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and tortillas for serving.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup chunky salsa
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, optional
For serving:
- 12 small taco shells or tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tomato, diced
- Sour cream, optional
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat into small pieces and cook until no longer pink. Drain the excess grease.
- Transfer the beef to the Crock-Pot. Add the diced onion, salsa, beef broth, taco seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and black pepper.
- Stir until the seasonings are evenly mixed with the beef. Cover and cook on Low for 3–4 hours or High for 1 ½–2 hours.
- Stir the taco meat before serving. If there is extra liquid, leave the lid slightly open for a short period while watching the mixture so it can thicken.
- Spoon the filling into warm taco shells or tortillas. Add lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and sour cream as desired.
15. Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on Low or 3–4 hours on High
Total: 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Ground beef chili is one of the most familiar slow cooker meals for a reason. It combines hamburger meat, kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, and chili spices in one hearty pot. The sauce thickens as the ingredients cook together, making it easy to serve in bowls with your favorite toppings. I like preparing this recipe when feeding a larger family because it makes several portions without requiring complicated preparation.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
For serving:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Diced onions
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces and drain the excess fat.
- Add the cooked beef to the Crock-Pot. Stir in the kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and beef broth. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours. Stir before serving and check that the chili is hot throughout.
- Ladle into bowls and add shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced onions, or jalapeños. Serve with crackers or cornbread.
16. Crock-Pot Pizza Casserole
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on Low, plus 20–30 minutes for pasta
Total: 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Pizza casserole is a fun family dinner that brings together the flavors of pizza and a pasta bake. Ground beef, pepperoni, pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pasta make a filling meal that is easy to portion into bowls. You can also add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to change the toppings. Cook the pasta near the end of the slow cooker time so it keeps a better texture. Serve with a simple salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cups rotini or penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the grease and transfer the cooked beef to the Crock-Pot.
- Add the pizza sauce, drained tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, half of the pepperoni, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together. Cover and cook on Low for 3–4 hours.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes, checking the pasta regularly. Add a little extra hot broth if needed.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and the remaining pepperoni over the top. Cover for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts and the casserole is hot throughout.
Category 5: Family Favorites and Comfort Food
17. Slow Cooker Homemade Meatballs
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High
Total: 4 hours 25 minutes to 5 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Homemade meatballs are a useful addition to any collection of Crock-Pot hamburger meat recipes. Ground beef combines with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings to make tender meatballs. They cook in tomato sauce, which helps keep them moist and adds flavor. You can serve them over spaghetti, with mashed potatoes, or inside toasted sandwich rolls. Make sure the meatballs reach a safe internal temperature before serving.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently until the ingredients are combined. Shape the mixture into approximately 20–24 meatballs of similar size.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet with a little oil, turning them carefully to brown the outside. This step helps them hold their shape during slow cooking. Transfer them to the Crock-Pot.
- Mix marinara sauce, tomato sauce, dried basil, and garlic powder in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs reach 160°F in the center. Serve with pasta, bread, or mashed potatoes.
18. Crock-Pot Salisbury Steak Meatballs
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High
Total: 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Salisbury steak meatballs are a comforting dinner with ground beef, onion gravy, and mushrooms. Instead of shaping large patties, you make smaller meatballs that are easy to serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. The mushroom gravy develops a savory flavor as it cooks with the beef. Browning the meatballs before placing them in the Crock-Pot helps them keep their shape and adds a little extra flavor to the finished sauce.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the gravy:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 18–20 meatballs. Brown them in a skillet over medium heat, turning to brown the outside. Transfer to the Crock-Pot.
- In another bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over the meatballs.
- Add sliced mushrooms and onion. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and reach 160°F in the center.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir it into the gravy during the final 15–20 minutes of cooking. Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
19. Crock-Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High
Total: 4 hours 25 minutes to 5 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Crock-Pot stuffed bell peppers are a convenient way to serve ground beef with rice, tomato sauce, and cheese. Each pepper holds a savory filling that cooks until the vegetables become tender. This recipe works well with green, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers. Use cooked rice in the filling so you can control its texture more easily. The finished peppers make a complete dinner, and you can serve them with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 6 medium bell peppers
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 ½ cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
- Wash the bell peppers. Cut off the tops, remove the seeds and membranes, and set them aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the excess grease and add the onion and garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl. Stir in cooked rice, half of the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Fill each bell pepper with the ground beef mixture. Place the peppers upright in the Crock-Pot. Pour the remaining tomato sauce and beef broth around the peppers.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot throughout. Sprinkle mozzarella over the tops during the final 10–15 minutes.
20. Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on Low or 3–4 hours on High
Total: 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Cabbage roll casserole gives you the familiar flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without having to fill and roll individual cabbage leaves. Ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, rice, and seasonings cook together in a simple slow cooker meal. The cabbage softens as it cooks, while the tomato sauce blends with the beef and vegetables. Using cooked rice helps prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming overly soft during the long cooking time.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped
- 1 ½ cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces and drain the excess grease.
- Place half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of the Crock-Pot. Add the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Add paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the remaining cabbage and stir gently. Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
- Stir in the cooked rice during the final 15–20 minutes. Mix well, check that the casserole is hot throughout, and serve warm.
Understanding Low, High, and Warm Settings
Your Crock-Pot usually has three temperature settings. Each one has a different purpose.
| Setting | Best use |
|---|---|
| Low | Longer cooking periods and all-day meals |
| High | Recipes that need a shorter cooking period |
| Warm | Keeping fully cooked food warm until serving |
According to the Crock-Pot instructions you provided, one hour on High is approximately equal to 1½–2 hours on Low. However, cooking times depend on the recipe, ingredients, and specific slow cooker.
The Warm setting is only for holding food that has already been cooked. It should not be used to cook raw hamburger meat. Your supplied manual also advises against using Warm for more than four hours.
For more slow cooker meal ideas with different cooking times, check out these 6-hour Crock-Pot recipes and 3-hour Crock-Pot recipes.
How to Store and Freeze Leftover Hamburger Meat Meals
Many of these Crock-Pot hamburger meat recipes make enough food for more than one meal. Proper storage helps keep the leftovers safe and makes it easier to enjoy them later.
Refrigerating Leftovers
Allow the food to stop steaming heavily, then transfer it into shallow, airtight containers. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Keeping the portions small helps them cool more quickly.
Most cooked ground beef dishes can be kept in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Store soups, casseroles, chili, and meatballs in separate containers so they are easy to portion.
I recommend writing the preparation date on each container. This makes it easier to keep track of which meals should be eaten first.
Freezing Crock-Pot Hamburger Meals
Most ground beef soups, chili, meatballs, and cooked casseroles freeze well. Let the food cool promptly, divide it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and remove as much excess air as possible.
Leave a little room at the top of containers because liquids expand when frozen. Label each portion with the recipe name and date.
For the best quality, use frozen leftovers within 2–3 months. Soups and chili are especially convenient because you can freeze them in individual portions for quick lunches.
Meals containing cooked potatoes, cream, or pasta may change texture after thawing. Stir them well after reheating and add a little broth or milk when needed.
Reheating Leftovers
Thaw frozen meals in the refrigerator rather than leaving them on the kitchen counter. Reheat soups and casseroles on the stovetop or in the microwave until they reach 165°F.
Stir food during microwave reheating so the temperature is even throughout. For larger portions, a saucepan or oven-safe dish may be more convenient.
Do not use the Crock-Pot Warm setting to reheat cold leftovers. Heat the food safely first, then use Warm only for holding already-hot food according to the appliance instructions.
Final Thoughts
These 20 Crock-Pot Hamburger Meat Recipes give you plenty of ways to turn a package of ground beef into an easy family dinner. You can make a warm bowl of hamburger soup, prepare cheesy potato casserole, fill taco shells, or serve homemade meatballs with pasta.
I recommend starting with a recipe that uses ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Once you find a few family favorites, you can save them for busy weekdays and make small changes with different vegetables, seasonings, and sauces.
For more slow cooker inspiration, you can also explore these 4-hour Crock-Pot recipes and 8-hour Crock-Pot recipes. If you need an easy vegetable side, these Crock-Pot green bean recipes are another good option.
And when you want a different kind of comfort food, try these Crock-Pot chicken and dumplings recipes.
