Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Say goodbye to mealtime monotony with our mouthwatering Crock Pot Make Ahead Ground Beef recipe! This hearty, flavor-packed dish is perfect for busy families, allowing you to prep in just 10 minutes and let your slow cooker do all the work. With tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs, every bite is a comforting embrace that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Dive into our recipe and discover the secret to effortless, satisfying dinners!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
- While beef is browning, drain excess fat and transfer the meat to the crock pot.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the ground beef in the crock pot, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, ensuring they cover the meat and onions.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the mixture, then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine and ensure even seasoning distribution.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting.
- Cook for 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and beef to become tender and fully cooked.
- Periodically stir the mixture once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (around 80/20) to reduce excess fat while still enjoying a juicy flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes!
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the mixture before cooking.
- Prep Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can brown the beef and combine all the ingredients in the crock pot the night before, then refrigerate it. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning for a hassle-free dinner!
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir the mixture once or twice during cooking. This helps to prevent sticking and ensures that all ingredients are evenly heated and flavored.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your ground beef with pasta, rice, or even on a bed of fresh greens for a complete meal. It also makes a great filling for tacos or burritos!
- Leftovers Galore: This recipe yields 6 servings, making it perfect for leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for a quick meal later on.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
