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Cozy Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Rice Bowls: Easy Weeknight Dinner

slow cooker ground beef and rice - featured image

This cozy slow cooker ground beef and rice bowl is proof that sometimes the laziest method wins. Toss raw ground beef into the slow cooker with onions, garlic, rice, and broth for a tender, flavorful meal that comes together in under 10 minutes of active prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker: Add the ground beef directly to the slow cooker insert. Break it up into large chunks with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and rinsed rice on top.
  3. Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Add the Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours (3½ hours is ideal). Avoid opening the lid during cooking.
  5. Add the peas: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas.
  6. Check the consistency: If too liquidy, let sit uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes. If too thick, stir in a splash of warm broth or water.
  7. Taste and adjust: Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Optionally add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
  8. Serve: Spoon into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t lift the lid during cooking. Rinse the rice to prevent gumminess. Use long-grain white rice for best results. This recipe tastes even better the next day. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, ground beef, rice, weeknight dinner, easy, comfort food, one pot