Put raw ground beef in a slow cooker with these 4 ingredients. It’s comfort food perfection.

Put Raw Ground Beef in a Slow Cooker with These 4 Ingredients — Comfort Food Perfection

When it comes to comfort food, few things beat a hearty, flavorful meal that practically makes itself while you go about your day. Enter the slow cooker — a kitchen miracle that turns simple ingredients into delicious dishes with minimal effort. One of the easiest and most satisfying recipes you can make in a slow cooker is using raw ground beef combined with just four other ingredients. This combination transforms into a rich, savory meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you crave comfort food without the fuss.

Why Use Raw Ground Beef in a Slow Cooker?

Slow cooking raw ground beef allows the meat to slowly absorb the flavors of the ingredients around it, resulting in tender, juicy, and deeply flavorful beef that’s the heart of the dish. Unlike browning ground beef first, putting it in raw saves time and means fewer dishes to clean. The slow, gentle heat breaks down the beef’s texture, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

The Four Key Ingredients

Aside from the ground beef, you only need four simple ingredients, all pantry staples, which combine beautifully:

Onion — Adds sweetness and a subtle savory depth.
Garlic — Imparts aromatic warmth and complexity.
Tomato Sauce — Gives moisture, acidity, and rich umami flavor.
Beef Broth — Enhances the meaty flavor and helps create a luscious sauce.

These ingredients together create a classic flavor foundation that’s both familiar and comforting.

Step-by-Step Method

Ingredients:

2 pounds raw ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce (plain or seasoned, your choice)
1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: dried herbs like oregano or thyme for extra aroma

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Finely chop the onion so it blends well into the slow cooker.
Mince the garlic cloves to release their flavor fully.
Measure out your tomato sauce and beef broth.

No need to brown the beef ahead of time — the slow cooker will handle the cooking beautifully.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Place the raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker. Use your hands or a spoon to break it up slightly, but it will continue to cook and break apart during the slow cooking process.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic over the beef.
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth evenly.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional dried herbs for an added flavor boost.

Step 3: Stir to Combine (Optional)

You can give the mixture a gentle stir to distribute ingredients evenly, but it’s not absolutely necessary. The beef will cook and crumble on its own, mingling with the liquids and aromatics.