Ground Beef Crockpot Delight: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner!
Are you searching for a simple, satisfying meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further! This Ground Beef Crockpot Delight is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner prayers. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – even the kids will love it! Forget slaving over the stove; this recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Embrace the magic of the slow cooker and say hello to stress-free dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Crockpot Delight
- Effortless: Seriously, it practically cooks itself! Minimal prep work involved.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Flavorful: Savory ground beef combined with delicious sauces and veggies.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it! Perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Crockpot Delight
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Substitutions: For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or plant-based crumbles. You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery. If you’re looking for a keto crockpot recipe, consider using cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
How to Make Ground Beef Crockpot Delight
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step is important because it eliminates extra fat, which will improve the overall taste and consistency in the crockpot.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine the browned ground beef, marinara sauce, cream of mushroom soup, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking low and slow allows the flavors meld together beautifully, creating an incredibly rich and satisfying dish.
- Cook Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Stir the cooked pasta into the crockpot. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking, as it can make the pasta mushy. Check the pasta’s texture before adding the cheese.
- Brown the Beef Well: Properly browning the ground beef adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients and flavor.
Variations: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. To make it a vegetarian crockpot recipe, substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This Ground Beef Crockpot Delight is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the savory sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrients.
- Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad pairs well, the savory Parmesan and anchovy flavor compliment without overpowering.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Ground Beef Crockpot Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
FAQ about Ground Beef Crockpot Delight
Q: Can I use frozen ground beef?
A: It’s generally recommended to thaw ground beef before cooking in a crockpot for food safety reasons. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can brown it while still slightly frozen. You may need to increase cooking time slightly.
Q: Can I add other types of meat?
A: Definitely! You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even diced beef stew meat. Consider this a foundation for creating other delicious beef crockpot recipes just by changing the protein!
Q: What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
A: You can substitute cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup. You can also make your own cream sauce from scratch using milk, flour, and butter.
Q: Can I make this into a soup?
A: Absolutely! Reduce the amount of pasta or eliminate it altogether. Add more broth or water to create a soupier consistency. Now you have a hearty crockpot soup recipe!
Q: How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
A: Make sure to add the pasta only during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Overcooking causes the pasta to become mushy. Cooking separately and combining right before serving is also a great option.
Final Thoughts on Ground Beef Crockpot Delight
This Ground Beef Crockpot Delight is more than just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver for busy families. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this crockpot recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later, leave a comment below with your variations, and subscribe to my blog for more delicious and easy recipes!
Ground Beef Crockpot Delight
Equipment
- Crockpot
- skillet,
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 ounce marinara sauce jar
- 10.75 ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup can
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step is important because it eliminates extra fat, which will improve the overall taste and consistency in the crockpot.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine the browned ground beef, marinara sauce, cream of mushroom soup, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking low and slow allows the flavors meld together beautifully, creating an incredibly rich and satisfying dish.
- Cook Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Stir the cooked pasta into the crockpot. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
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