Slow Cooker Ground Beef Barbecue

Name: Slow Cooker Ground Beef Barbecue
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 255 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 kg ground beef (lean); 1 large onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup barbecue sauce (thick); 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

255 min 6 servings Easy

All Recipes

Enjoy a delicious slow cooker ground beef barbecue that's perfect for any gathering or easy weeknight dinner.

Prep

15 min

Cook

240 min

Total

255 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Slow cooker ground beef barbecue is a simple, yet flavourful dish that will have your taste buds dancing. This recipe is ideal for those who love the taste of barbecue but want the convenience of a slow cooker meal. The slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty dish perfect for any occasion. What makes this version special is its rich blend of spices, tangy barbecue sauce, and the slight sweetness of brown sugar. It's a crowd-pleaser that's easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy families or anyone who wants to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Instructions

Brown the beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Pro tip: Browning adds depth of flavour to the dish.

Prepare the slow cooker

Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.

Pro tip: Use a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker for best results.

Add the sauces and spices

Stir in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Mix ingredients

Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.

Pro tip: Ensure the beef is evenly coated with the sauce.

Slow cook the mixture

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the mixture is thickened and flavours have melded.

Pro tip: Stir occasionally if possible.

Serve

Serve the barbecue beef hot on buns or over rice.

Pro tip: Garnish with fresh parsley for added colour.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Brown the beef first for extra flavour.
Use a thicker barbecue sauce for a richer texture.
Adjust sweetness with more or less brown sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different meat for slow cooker barbecue?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

How long does slow cooker ground beef barbecue take to cook?

It takes about 4 hours on low in the slow cooker.

Can I make slow cooker ground beef barbecue ahead of time?

Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with slow cooker ground beef barbecue?

Serve it with buns, rice, coleslaw, or corn on the cob.

How many calories are in a serving of slow cooker ground beef barbecue?

There are approximately 350 calories per serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your slow cooker ground beef barbecue on fresh buns or over rice for a satisfying meal. Pair it with a crisp coleslaw or a side of corn on the cob to complete the barbecue experience. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition per serving

350

Calories

22g

Protein

18g

Fat

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