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Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

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A comforting, set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal featuring tender ground beef in a rich, savory tomato sauce served over fluffy rice. Inspired by a beloved diner dish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth, low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (for serving)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Avocado, sliced (for serving)
  • Hot sauce (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned all over, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a little for flavor. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
  2. Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir and adjust seasoning.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water or broth, butter or oil, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  6. Assemble bowls: Spoon rice into bowls, top with the saucy beef mixture, and garnish with desired toppings (cilantro, lime, cheese, sour cream, avocado, hot sauce).
  7. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not cook the rice in the slow cooker with the beef; it will become mushy. For best results, brown the beef first to develop flavor. The beef mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat and cook fresh rice when serving. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeño or adobo sauce. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, ground beef, rice bowls, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family-friendly

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/easy-slow-cooker-ground-beef-and-rice-bowls/