Ingredients
- 2 lb (900 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp chili flakes, optional
- 2–3 tbsp beef broth or water, if needed
Instructions
- Add the ground beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Pour in the BBQ sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes.
- Mix everything thoroughly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours.
- Stir occasionally if convenient.
- Cook until the ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C) internally.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little beef broth or water.
- Taste and adjust the BBQ sauce and seasonings before serving.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Burger buns
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Coleslaw
- Corn
- Roasted vegetables
Nut & Allergen Information
Nuts: No peanuts or tree nuts are required in this recipe.
Possible allergens:
- Soy: may be present in some BBQ or Worcestershire sauces.
- Wheat/gluten: may be present in some sauces or buns.
- Dairy: not required in the basic recipe.
If you have a nut allergy, check the labels of packaged sauces for peanut/tree-nut cross-contact warnings.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 430–500 kcal
- Protein: 25–30 g
- Carbohydrates: 20–25 g
- Fat: 25–30 g
- Sugar: 12–18 g
- Sodium: 800–1,100 mg
Nutrition varies depending on the ground beef and sauce brands used.
Q&A
Q: Do I need to brown the beef first?
No. You can add it directly to the slow cooker, although browning it first can add extra flavor.
Q: Can I cook it on HIGH?
Yes. Cooking time will be shorter, but check the beef for doneness rather than relying only on the clock.
Q: Can I use frozen ground beef?
It is safer to thaw the beef in the refrigerator before putting it in a slow cooker.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
Not usually. Omit the chili flakes for a mild version or add more for extra heat.
Q: Can I meal-prep it?
Yes. Divide the cooked beef into portions and serve with rice, potatoes, vegetables, or salad.