20 Healthy Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes for Busy Days

20 Healthy Ground Beef Crock Pot Recipes for Busy Days

Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for convenience when it comes to weeknight meals? Look no further! With these 20 healthy ground beef crock pot recipes, you can have a delicious, nutritious meal on the table without breaking a sweat. From hearty stews and casseroles to international-inspired dishes and classic comfort food, this collection has something for everyone.

Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent trying to get dinner on the table quickly, the slow cooker is an invaluable kitchen tool. And when paired with lean ground beef, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll explore 20 healthy ground beef crock pot recipes that will keep your taste buds and belly satisfied, even on the most hectic of days.

Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Veggie Stew

A comforting, one-pot meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a busy day when you need a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper to the skillet; cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker; add the diced tomatoes, frozen peas and carrots, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the olive oil; cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Healthy Crock Pot Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

This recipe combines the flavors of beef, quinoa, and roasted peppers for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb lean ground beef
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat crock pot to low.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked quinoa, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and oregano. Mix well.
3. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in the crock pot.
4. Stuff each pepper with the beef mixture, filling to the top.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Sprinkle with shredded cheese (if using) and serve.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)

Lean Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili

This hearty, comforting chili recipe combines lean ground beef with sweet potatoes and a blend of spices for a nutritious and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb lean ground beef (93% lean)
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Add enough water to cover the ingredients; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes

Low-Carb Crock Pot Beef and Cauliflower Casserole

Savor the rich flavors of tender beef, crispy cauliflower, and creamy sauce in this easy-to-make casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef cubes (85% lean or higher)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-carb cream cheese (8 oz or less)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add beef cubes and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to the crock pot.
2. Add cauliflower, onion, garlic, cream cheese, heavy cream, oregano, salt, and pepper to the crock pot. Stir until combined.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Greek-Style Beef Stuffed Zucchini

Transform zucchinis into a flavorful and nutritious meal with this easy-to-make recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 4 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Feta cheese crumbles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out centers, leaving shells intact.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned; drain excess fat.
4. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff each zucchini shell with the meat mixture, topping with feta cheese crumbles if desired.
6. Place stuffed zucchinis in slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.

Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (low) or 1-2 hours (high)

Healthy Ground Beef and Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is a perfect blend of protein-rich ground beef and fiber-packed lentils, making it an ideal option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or spinach for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or spinach if desired.

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Crock Pot Beef and Mushroom Barley Risotto

This hearty, comforting dish is a twist on the classic Italian risotto, featuring tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and nutty barley cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup Arborio rice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef in a skillet with olive oil; set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until tender.
3. Add browned beef, chicken broth, barley, and Arborio rice to the Crock Pot.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)

Lean Beef and Kale Slow Cooker Lasagna

Transform a classic Italian dish into a healthy and delicious meal with this slow cooker lasagna recipe, featuring lean beef and nutritious kale.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb lean ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 6-8 lasagna noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted.
4. In a slow cooker, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well.
5. Arrange 2-3 lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce, followed by another layer of the meat sauce. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of the meat sauce on top.
6. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Slow Cooker Beef and Black Bean Burrito Bowls

Transform your slow cooker into a flavorful kitchen companion with this hearty, filling recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. With tender beef, creamy black beans, and crispy toppings, these burrito bowls are sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless beef chuck roast
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
2. Place the beef in the slow cooker and add the onion, garlic, and beef broth.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the black beans.
5. Serve the beef mixture over rice or with your favorite toppings.

Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)

Healthy Crock Pot Beef and Spinach Stuffed Shells

This recipe combines the comfort of stuffed shells with the ease of a crock pot, resulting in a nutritious and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 lb lean ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta shells according to package directions; set aside.
2. In a crock pot, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, spinach, diced tomatoes, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, add cooked pasta shells to the crock pot and stir to combine.
5. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and cover until melted.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Low-Sodium Ground Beef and Brown Rice Casserole

This hearty casserole is a great option for a weeknight dinner, packed with nutritious brown rice, lean ground beef, and flavorful vegetables. With only 350mg of sodium per serving, you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb lean ground beef (90% or higher)
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt-free seasoning blend (or to taste)
– 1/4 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, low-sodium beef broth, thyme, and salt-free seasoning blend. Bring mixture to a simmer.
6. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked brown rice and ground beef mixture. Top with reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Slow Cooker Beef and Butternut Squash Curry

Slow Cooker Beef and Butternut Squash Curry Recipe

A hearty, flavorful curry that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This slow cooker recipe combines tender beef with the sweetness of butternut squash, all in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb beef stew meat
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 cup curry powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp turmeric
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup coconut cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add beef, squash, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. Stir in coconut cream (if using) just before serving.
4. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.

Cooking Time: 4-10 hours

Lean Beef and Chickpea Moroccan Tagine

This hearty and aromatic tagine is a twist on the traditional Moroccan dish, using lean beef and chickpeas for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb lean beef stew meat
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tbsp honey
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and honey.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until beef is tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Healthy Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

This recipe is a twist on traditional stir-fries, using the convenience of a crock pot to cook tender beef and crisp broccoli in a flavorful sauce. With only 10 minutes of prep time, this healthy dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:
• 1 pound lean beef (such as sirloin or round), sliced into thin strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or oil

Instructions:
1. Add the beef, broccoli, onion, and garlic to the crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour over the beef mixture in the crock pot.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry is ready when the beef is tender and broccoli is crisp.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours

Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Eggplant Moussaka

Savor the rich flavors of this Greek-inspired dish as slow-cooked ground beef and tender eggplant mingle together in a creamy tomato sauce.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato puree
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Layer sliced eggplant, cooked ground beef mixture, and tomato puree in the slow cooker.
4. Sprinkle with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Top with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and grated Parmesan cheese; serve hot.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)

Low-Fat Beef and Cabbage Slow Cooker Soup

A hearty and comforting slow cooker soup that combines the flavors of tender beef, crisp cabbage, and aromatic spices.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with the shredded cabbage, beef broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Crock Pot Beef and Quinoa Taco Salad

A hearty, flavorful salad perfect for a busy day. This recipe combines the convenience of a slow cooker with the excitement of tacos!

Ingredients:

– 1 lb beef (such as chuck or round), sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 small onion, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. In the Crock Pot, combine beef, quinoa, water, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, add cilantro, red bell pepper, and onion to the Crock Pot.
4. Shred the cooked beef with two forks.
5. In a large bowl, combine quinoa mixture, shredded beef, and any desired cheese.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)

Healthy Slow Cooker Beef and Zucchini Boats

Enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal with this easy-to-make recipe that combines tender beef, zucchini, and spices.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and hollow out the insides, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 1-2 minutes.
6. Place the zucchini boats in the slow cooker and spoon the beef mixture over them.
7. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Cooking Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Lean Ground Beef and Bean minestrone

A hearty and nutritious soup that combines lean ground beef with fiber-rich beans, vegetables, and pasta for a filling meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked kidney beans
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (e.g., elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the cooked kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Slow Cooker Beef and Spinach Stuffed Portobellos

A hearty and flavorful twist on the classic stuffed mushroom, this recipe combines tender beef, wilted spinach, and savory cheese within the earthy portobello caps.

Ingredients:

– 4 large portobello mushrooms
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stuff each portobello cap with the beef mixture, spinach leaves, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, and thyme.
5. Place stuffed mushrooms in the slow cooker; drizzle with olive oil.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Summary

Get ready for a flavorful and nutritious meal with these 20 healthy ground beef crock pot recipes! From hearty stews to savory casseroles, these delicious dishes are perfect for busy days. Try making Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Veggie Stew, Healthy Crock Pot Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers, or Lean Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili. With a variety of international flavors and easy preparation methods, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Whether you’re looking for low-carb, low-fat, or simply quick and delicious meals, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.