When Cooking Ground Beef in Slow Cooker Do You Have to Brown Beef First
Learn how to cook ground beef in the crock pot for easy meal prep. Add a few seasonings, then let your countertop appliance do all the work!
Save time in the kitchen by making big batches of this recipe to include in future meals!
Use leftover crockpot ground beef for this hearty chili recipe or adjust the seasonings to make Maid Rites, a type of loose meat sandwich.
Or, try my Crock Pot Italian Meatballs for an easy meal or party appetizer. They are made entirely from scratch and cook in a flavorful homemade marinara sauce.
How to Cook Ground Beef in a Slow Cooker
This recipe couldn't be any easier. Just stir the meat and spices together inside the crock, then wait until it's done!
I recommend stirring everything occasionally, but make sure the lid isn't off for too long. Once it's done, drain off any excess fat and portion out as needed.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Prevent dry meat. If you're using a leaner blend such as 93%, add about ½ cup of water for moisture.
- Adjust amounts as needed. You can make up to 5 pounds at a time, but the more you make the longer it will take to cook. For smaller batches, use a 2 quart appliance so it can come to temperature.
- Like to meal prep? Set aside some free time to make shredded chicken as well, or divide the meat and use different spice blends based on how you'll be using it.
What happens if you don't brown meat before slow cooking?
Typically, it can turn out dry or not as tender. However, this applies more to roasts or whole cuts of meat.
While you can certainly brown it partially on the stove first, that defeats the purpose of making it in the crockpot!
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Crock Pot - This is my most used kitchen appliance, especially during the colder months!
- Potato masher - Thanks to watching the Rachael Ray show, this is my new favorite way to break up ground meat. It's so much easier than using a wooden spoon.
FAQ - Common Recipe Questions
Why is my crockpot ground beef tough?
Leaner blends require more moisture, so make sure to add enough liquid. Water is fine, but beef stock can add extra flavor. Plus, it contains collagen which will keep everything tender.
If you're using a fattier blend, it will do better on the Low setting for a longer period of time.
Also, make sure you're using the appropriate size appliance. Small amounts in a larger sized pot will be done faster and tend to come out dry.
Can you overcook beef in a slow cooker?
Absolutely, which is why you should always adjust times and amounts as needed. Smaller amounts only need a few hours before they are done.
Don't I need oil to cook ground beef?
Only if you are using a pan that isn't non-stick. With this method, moisture builds up in the pot and combines with the natural fats that are released so there is no need to use any oil.
Enjoy!
With love from our simple kitchen to yours.
How to Cook Ground Beef in a Slow Cooker
Learn how to cook ground beef in the crock pot for easy meal prep. Add a few seasonings, then let your countertop appliance do all the work!
Prep time: 5 Min Cook time: 2 Hour Total time: 2 H & 5 M
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (I use 85% lean)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a crock pot. Stir and combine. Cook on high 2-3 hours or low 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. Drain if necessary.
- Divide into portions, place in freezer safe resealable zip top bags. Freeze for several months.
DONNA'S NOTES
- Cook up to 5 pounds at a time, adjust cooking time as necessary. I divide in half and freeze in 1 pound (pre-cook weight) portions, as that is the most common amount in the recipes I use.
- I cook 2 pounds in a 2 quart crockpot.
- If you are cooking super lean ground beef such as 93%, you will want to add 1/2 cup beef stock or water so that it doesn't dry out.
Originally published March 2015, updated and republished February 2021
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