Ground Beef and Rice Slow Cooker

Ground Beef and Rice Slow Cooker. This easy slow cooker beef and rice dish uses just 4 simple things. It’s like the big, yummy meals my Midwest uncles made when lots of hungry people came over. It uses stuff from your kitchen—like beef, onions, rice, and tasty broth—to make a super cozy meal. The beef gets soft, onions turn sweet, and rice soaks up yummy juices. Cook it slow for a cheap, no-work dinner on busy days.

Whip up this hearty slow cooker beef and rice with only 4 basics: ground beef, onions, rice, and broth. Brown the meat, layer it all in, and let it simmer low and slow. Tender beef, sweet onions, and fluffy rice in rich gravy make a filling family meal. Serve hot in bowls—perfect for busy nights!

Ground Beef and Rice Slow Cooker
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, not cooked and washed clean

• 1 big yellow onion, chopped small (about 2 cups)

• 4 cups beef broth (use low-salt if you can)

Ground Beef and Rice: Directions

1. Heat a big pan on medium-high. Break up the ground beef and cook it, stirring now and then, until it’s all brown with no pink, about 7–10 minutes. If there’s too much fat, scoop most out but leave a little for taste.

2. While beef cooks, peel and chop the onion into tiny even bits. Wash the rice in a strainer with cold water until it’s mostly clear. This stops it from getting sticky.

3. Put the cooked beef in the slow cooker. Break up big chunks with a spoon. Spread chopped onion evenly on top.

4. Add the clean rice on top of the beef and onions. Don’t mix yet—it cooks better this way.

5. Pour beef broth over everything so rice is all wet. Push down any dry bits with a spoon. Stir just once lightly if needed.

6. Put on the lid. Cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Rice should be soft and most liquid gone. Don’t peek early or it takes longer.

7. When done, turn off or set to WARM. Gently mix beef, rice, and onions with a big spoon.

8. Taste and add salt, pepper, or hot sauce if you want. Scoop into bowls while hot. It gets thicker later, so add a bit of warm water if you like it wetter.

Serve right from the cooker into big bowls. Add crusty bread or toast to dip in the juice. Try a green salad or cooked veggies like peas or beans for color. For zing, put out hot sauce, green onions, or lemon squeezes.