17 Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes For Frequent Weeknight Meals
Weeknights always seem to move fast, but dinner does not have to feel rushed. With a slow cooker and some ground beef, you can batch-cook deeply flavorful meals that practically make themselves.
These recipes are flexible, crowd-pleasing, and friendly to your budget. Pick a couple for this week, stash extras for later, and enjoy low-stress dinners on repeat.
1. Slow Cooker Chili
You want a hearty bowl that tastes like it cooked all day, because it did. Ground beef simmers with tomatoes, beans, onions, and chili seasoning until rich and thick.
Add a splash of broth to loosen or extra spices for kick.
Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and crunchy chips so every bite feels special. This chili freezes beautifully and reheats like a dream.
Make it mild for kids or go bold with jalapenos and hot sauce.
Use leftovers for chili dogs, nachos, or baked potatoes. It is a weeknight hero that keeps on giving.
2. Taco Meat (Big Batch)
Make a big batch once, and you will coast through the week. Ground beef slow cooks with salsa, taco seasoning, and a splash of broth for juicy, flavorful crumbles.
It stays moist and spoonable without babysitting.
Use it for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, quesadillas, and salads. Portion into containers and stash in the fridge or freezer for fast wins.
Warm, tuck into tortillas, and dinner is basically done.
Add beans or corn to stretch it further. Stir in chipotles for smoky heat, or keep it mellow for everyone.
Efficiency never tasted better.
3. Sloppy Joes
These sloppy joes are weeknight therapy in a bun. Ground beef simmers in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce with tomato, mustard, and a hint of brown sugar.
The slow cooker keeps everything saucy and tender.
Pile the filling onto soft buns and add crunchy pickles for balance. Serve with chips, carrot sticks, or coleslaw and call it a night.
The leftovers taste even better tomorrow.
Adjust sweetness and heat to your liking. You can sneak in diced peppers or mushrooms to boost veggies.
Expect satisfied silence at the table.
4. Meat Sauce For Spaghetti
When you want Sunday sauce on a Tuesday, let the slow cooker work. Ground beef, crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning mingle into a deep, savory saucepan.
Time rounds the edges and brings sweetness forward.
Spoon over spaghetti, sprinkle with parmesan, and breathe in that cozy aroma. It clings beautifully to noodles and makes leftovers everyone fights for.
Freeze a jar or two for later.
Add chili flakes for heat or a splash of milk for softness. Stir in mushrooms or carrots if you like.
No babysitting, just comfort.
5. Stuffed Pepper Soup
All the flavor of stuffed peppers without the fussy assembly. Ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, rice, and broth simmer into a cozy, spoonable meal.
The peppers soften, the rice plumps, and everything tastes like grandma food.
Season with paprika, garlic, and a splash of vinegar for brightness. Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
This soup is friendly for lunches and freezes well.
Use brown rice for nuttier texture, or keep it white for classic vibes. Add extra veggies if you have them.
Dinner warms you from inside out.
6. Beef And Bean Burrito Filling
This filling makes burrito night unbelievably easy. Ground beef slow cooks with beans, corn, onions, and taco spices until thick and scoopable.
The texture holds together beautifully inside tortillas.
Layer into warm tortillas with cheese, rice, and salsa, then roll tight. It is equally great in burrito bowls for a lighter route.
Leftovers become quick quesadillas or breakfast burritos.
Stir in chipotle or green chiles for personality. Add a squeeze of lime before serving to lift flavors.
You will want to keep a batch ready for emergencies.
7. Cheeseburger Soup
All the comfort of a cheeseburger in a spoonable, cozy bowl. Ground beef, onions, potatoes, broth, and cheddar melt into a creamy soup that is kid friendly and satisfying.
The slow cooker keeps it gentle and velvety.
Finish with diced pickles for the true burger vibe. Serve with crusty bread or simple salad to round it out.
Leftovers reheat like a dream.
Adjust thickness with extra broth or milk. Stir in carrots or cauliflower for more veggies.
One pot, big comfort, zero stress on your busiest nights.
8. Cabbage Roll Soup
If you love stuffed cabbage but not the rolling, this soup is your shortcut. Ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice simmer into something nostalgic and deeply comforting.
The broth becomes slightly sweet from the cabbage.
Season with dill, paprika, and garlic, then finish with a squeeze of lemon. It tastes like family dinners with half the work.
Serve with hearty bread to soak up goodness.
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice to suit your needs. Make it richer with a spoon of sour cream.
Leftovers only get better by tomorrow.
9. Slow Cooker Lasagna (Layered)
Lasagna without the oven hustle feels like a magic trick. Layer no boil noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, marinara, and seasoned ground beef right into the slow cooker.
Low, steady heat turns everything melty and tender.
The slices hold, the cheese stretches, and dinner feels celebratory. Add spinach or mushrooms between layers if you want extra veg.
Keep the lid closed to trap moisture.
Finish with fresh basil and a shower of parmesan. Let it rest before serving for clean cuts.
Weeknight lasagna is officially within reach, and leftovers pack beautifully for tomorrow.
10. Swedish Meatballs (Saucy Version)
Comfort does not get cozier than tender meatballs in creamy gravy. Brown your meatballs, then let the slow cooker finish them in a silky, savory sauce.
The gravy gets glossy and clings to everything.
Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes with a spoon of lingonberry jam. Parsley brightens the plate and mood.
It is elegant enough for company but easy enough for Tuesday.
You can blend pork and beef for extra tenderness. Adjust nutmeg and allspice to taste.
Expect empty plates and requests for seconds.
11. Korean-Inspired Beef Bowls
Sweet, savory, and garlicky, this bowl hits every craving. Ground beef simmers with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and a touch of sesame oil.
The sauce reduces to a glossy glaze that is irresistible over rice.
Top with cucumbers, scallions, and sesame seeds for crunch and freshness. Add kimchi if you want heat and tang.
It is weeknight fast with restaurant flavor.
Use cauliflower rice if you prefer low carb. Double the batch for lunches.
A fried egg on top makes it feel complete and extra satisfying.
12. Ground Beef Enchilada Casserole
All the enchilada flavor without the rolling session. Layer tortillas with seasoned ground beef, onions, beans if you like, and plenty of enchilada sauce.
The slow cooker melts everything into fork tender comfort.
Finish with cheddar, olives, and cilantro for color. Serve squares with sour cream and avocado.
It is messy in the best way possible, perfect for family style scooping.
Use green sauce for a twist or add corn for sweetness. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunches.
Expect this to join your regular rotation.
13. Pizza Pasta
It is pizza night in a bowl, and everyone will cheer. Ground beef, marinara, pepperoni, and Italian spices mingle with tender pasta.
Melted mozzarella ties it together into saucy, gooey comfort.
Toss in mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers to match your favorite slice. Finish with red pepper flakes for a little zing.
The slow cooker keeps pasta plush without fuss.
Serve with a green salad and garlic bread for balance. Leftovers reheat well for quick lunches.
Kid friendly, adult approved, and wildly reliable on busy evenings.
14. Hamburger Helper-Style Pasta
Bring back the nostalgic vibes, only better. Ground beef, broth, paprika, garlic, and pasta cook together until the noodles are tender.
Stir in plenty of cheddar and a splash of cream for extra silk.
It is a one pot wonder that satisfies picky eaters and tired cooks. Adjust spices to your memory of the box or make it your own.
The slow cooker handles the timing.
Serve with steamed broccoli or a simple salad. Leftovers thicken nicely and stay delicious.
Comfort, convenience, and affordability show up in every bite.
15. Beef Taco Soup
This soup tastes like taco night met cozy weather. Ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasoning simmer into a zesty, brothy bowl.
The slow cooker makes the flavors bloom without effort.
Top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado, shredded cheese, and lime. Each spoonful gives crunch, cream, and warmth.
It is a flexible base for whatever toppings you love.
Use mild or hot seasoning to suit your mood. Leftovers pack well for work lunches.
Keep this recipe bookmarked for chilly evenings and easy hosting.
16. Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie Filling
All the cozy vibes of shepherd’s pie with half the work. Ground beef simmers with onions, carrots, peas, and a savory gravy until spoon tender.
When serving, top bowls with creamy mashed potatoes.
The slow cooker builds flavor while you live your life. Add Worcestershire for depth and thyme for warmth.
It tastes like a hug in casserole form.
Use leftover mash or make it fresh while the filling finishes. Broil assembled portions if you want golden tops.
This is comfort streamlined for busy schedules.
17. BBQ Beef Sandwich Filling
When you crave barbecue without the grill, try this. Ground beef and onions simmer in your favorite BBQ sauce until jammy and rich.
The slow cooker concentrates sweetness and smoke.
Spoon onto buns and crown with coleslaw for cool crunch. It is picnic energy any night of the week.
Add pickles or jalapenos if you like extra zip.
Use brioche for soft richness or sturdy rolls for drippy goodness. Leftovers make killer sliders for game night.
Keep napkins close and enjoy every messy bite.
