This slow cooker ground beef recipe is the perfect solution for busy days when you want a hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly meal with minimal effort. By adding raw ground beef directly into your slow cooker along with just four simple ingredients, you’ll get a tender, savory dish that practically cooks itself. No need for pre-browning or complicated steps—this recipe is about simplicity without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re serving it with rice, pasta, or bread, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to dinner favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
Instructions
- Place the raw ground beef into the bottom of your slow cooker, breaking it up lightly with a spoon or spatula.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and taco seasoning mix on top of the beef. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the beef is fully cooked and tender. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
Servings
Makes 4 servings
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
Notes
This recipe is flexible and forgiving. You can easily swap kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans, and diced tomatoes with tomato sauce or fire-roasted tomatoes. For a little heat, add green chilies or chili powder. It can also be doubled to feed a crowd without changing the cook time.
Tips
Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, or if you prefer a richer flavor, choose 80/20 beef. Stir once halfway through cooking if you want a smoother texture. If the mixture is too thick, add half a cup of beef broth or water. For a complete meal, serve it over steamed rice, pasta, or baked potatoes. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Health Benefits
This dish provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. Ground beef is rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support energy and muscle health. Beans add plant-based protein and fiber, which promote digestion and keep you fuller for longer. Tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which supports heart health. By using lean beef and rinsing beans, you can keep the dish lower in fat and sodium while still being satisfying and nutritious.
Q & A
Q: Do I need to brown the ground beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
A: No, this recipe is designed to save time by cooking the beef raw in the slow cooker.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Q: How do I make this recipe spicier?
A: Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or use a hot taco seasoning mix for extra spice.
Q: Can I cook this overnight?
A: Yes, you can set it on low before bed and wake up to a fully cooked meal. Just be sure to refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Q: What toppings go well with this dish?
A: Popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, green onions, and fresh cilantro.