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Crockpot Ground Beef Recipe for Easy Freezer Meals Recipe

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4 from 7 reviews

This easy slow cooker ground beef recipe is perfect for meal prep and freezer stocking. Simply season the beef, let it cook low and slow in your crockpot until tender and crumbled, then portion and freeze for quick meals any day of the week.

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings

Ingredients

Ground Beef Mixture

  • 6 pounds ground beef (90% lean preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add the ground beef, salt, and cracked pepper into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, spreading the meat evenly across the bottom.
  2. Start Cooking: Set the slow cooker to low heat, cover it with the lid, and cook for 1 hour to begin the slow cooking process.
  3. Break Up the Meat: After 1 hour, use a wooden spoon to start crumbling the beef, breaking up any large chunks for even cooking.
  4. Continue Slow Cooking: Cook the meat for approximately 8 hours on low, stirring every 2 hours to help crumble the beef further and ensure even cooking. Adjust the time slightly if your slow cooker cooks faster or slower.
  5. Drain Fat: Once the beef is fully cooked and crumbled, carefully drain excess fat if desired, to reduce grease and calories.
  6. Portion and Freeze: Divide the cooked ground beef into freezer-safe bags or containers, seal them tightly, and freeze for convenient use in future recipes.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90% lean) to reduce grease buildup and fat content.
  • Stirring every couple of hours helps break up clumps and cooks the meat evenly.
  • Cook times might vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and size.
  • Draining the fat is optional but recommended for a healthier dish.
  • Perfect for meal prep; thaw and use in tacos, casseroles, pasta dishes, and more.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American