Chop Meat Crock Pot Recipes

Cooking with ground meat (commonly referred to as chop meat) can be incredibly rewarding, especially when using a crock pot. The slow cooker’s magic lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering, hearty meals that are perfect for busy days, family dinners, or even meal prep. Whether you’re using ground beef, turkey, pork, or chicken, there are endless possibilities for creating flavorful dishes with minimal effort.

In this blog, we’ll explore why crock pots are ideal for chop meat recipes, tips for success, and a collection of delicious recipes you can try at home.

Delicious Chop Meat Crock Pot Recipes

Here are some simple, tasty recipes that you can make with chop meat in your crock pot.

1. Classic Slow Cooker Chili

This hearty chili is a crowd-pleaser, packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (browned and drained)
• 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the crock pot.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and a side of cornbread.

Braise Meat in Tomato Sauce Recipe

2. Crock-Pot Meatball Marinara

Tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in marinara sauce are perfect for pasta night.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the chop meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, and seasonings. Form into small meatballs.
2. Place the meatballs in the crock pot and pour marinara sauce over them.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve over spaghetti or in sub rolls with melted mozzarella.

3. Slow Cooker Taco Meat

Make taco night effortless with this flavorful and versatile recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• Optional: diced onions and bell peppers

Instructions:

1. Brown the chop meat and drain the grease.
2. Add the meat, taco seasoning, water, and optional veggies to the crock pot.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or nachos, and top with your favorite garnishes.

4. Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie

A comforting classic, this dish combines seasoned ground meat with creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the chop meat and drain the grease.
2. In the crock pot, combine the meat, vegetables, onion, soup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mashed potatoes over the mixture.
4. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley.

5. Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

This family favorite is a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the chop meat and drain the grease.
2. Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and stir well.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Serve on toasted hamburger buns with a side of coleslaw.

Detailed Instructions for Chop Meat Crock Pot Recipes

Let’s dive deeper into the preparation and cooking process for the recipes mentioned earlier. Each step is broken down to ensure your dishes turn out perfectly, even if you’re new to cooking with a crock pot.

1. Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz, undrained)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the ground meat, and cook until it’s browned and crumbled. Break up large chunks with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
2. Prepare the Crock Pot: Spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easier.
3. Add Ingredients: Place the browned meat, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and seasonings into the crock pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Pair with cornbread or crackers for a complete meal.

2. Crock Pot Meatball Marinara

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix until everything is well incorporated.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). This ensures even cooking.
3. Layer in the Crock Pot: Pour about half a cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the crock pot. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re fully covered.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain consistent cooking.
5. Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs over pasta, in a sub roll with melted mozzarella, or as an appetizer. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor.

3. Slow Cooker Taco Meat

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• Optional: 1 small onion and 1 bell pepper, diced

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat: Heat a skillet, add the chop meat, and cook until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add to Crock Pot: Transfer the browned meat to the crock pot. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat. If using onions and peppers, add them now.
3. Add Liquid: Pour in the water and stir to combine the seasoning and meat.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking enhances the seasoning’s flavor.
5. Serve: Use the taco meat as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole.

4. Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10 oz)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat: In a skillet, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain the grease and season with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Mixture: In a bowl, combine the browned meat, mixed vegetables, onion, soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Assemble in the Crock Pot: Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly on the bottom of the crock pot. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread them out to cover the mixture.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The slow heat will meld the flavors together and keep the dish moist.
5. Serve: Scoop out portions of the shepherd’s pie and serve hot. Sprinkle with parsley for a pop of color.

5. Crock Pot Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat: Cook the chop meat in a skillet until browned and crumbled. Drain the grease.
2. Mix Ingredients: In the crock pot, combine the cooked meat, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The mixture will thicken as it cooks.
4. Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted hamburger buns and serve with potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple salad.

Why Use a Crock Pot for Chop Meat Recipes?

Crock pots, or slow cookers, are a game-changer in the kitchen. They’re not just about convenience; they also enhance flavors and make your dishes more tender and juicy. Here’s why they’re perfect for chop meat recipes:

1. Convenience: Simply toss your ingredients into the pot, set the timer, and let it cook while you go about your day.
2. Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in rich and satisfying meals.
3. Tender Texture: The low-and-slow cooking method keeps meat tender and juicy.
4. Versatility: From chili and pasta sauces to meatballs and casseroles, there’s no shortage of dishes you can create.

Tips for Cooking Chop Meat in a Crock Pot

• Brown the Meat First: While you can cook raw chop meat in a slow cooker, browning it first enhances the flavor and improves the texture.
• Drain Excess Grease: After browning, drain the fat to avoid greasy dishes.
• Use Proper Spices: Slow cooking can mellow flavors, so be generous with spices and seasonings to ensure your dish is flavorful.
• Layer Ingredients Properly: Place harder vegetables (like carrots and potatoes) at the bottom, as they take longer to cook. Add meat and softer ingredients on top.
• Don’t Overfill: For best results, fill your crock pot no more than two-thirds full to ensure even cooking.

Why These Recipes Work

Using a crock pot ensures your dishes are infused with rich, deep flavors while the chopped meat stays tender and juicy. These recipes are flexible, so you can easily substitute ingredients or adjust seasonings to suit your preferences. They’re perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.