Don’t have time to fuss over your meat on the stove? This Crockpot Browning Meat Trick has been such a lifesaver… it saves SO much time!!
Then… be sure to also try these genius hacks for How to Shred Meat!
Crockpot Browning Meat Trick
When it comes to browning meat… I’d rather do almost anything else! I mean, who really wants to spend time standing over the stove moving raw meat around, right?
That’s why this Crockpot Browning Meat Hack is an absolute game changer!
I know how much quicker meals can come together once the meat is browned and ready to go.
So to save time and effort, I just let my slow cooker do the work for me now! It’s such a cinch!
Go grab your Crock Pot and let’s get started!
Here’s what you need to do to take back your time from the kitchen…
Related: How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half (35 brilliant tips)
How to Brown Meat in Crockpot
Who knew it was SO easy to brown your meat using your Crockpot?!? When my friend Myra shared this tip back in January, I could hardly wait to try it!
I adore my crockpot, and am always looking for ways to simplify meal prep!
Now… every time I brown meat, this is what I do…
1. Simply transfer the meat to your crockpot.
2. Mash a little to separate the beef or pork. You can use use a potato masher or wooden spoon.
3. Cover with crockpot lid and cook on HIGH until done, stirring occasionally, every 30 minutes or so.
4. Time to cook will depend on how many pounds of beef you’re browning. I’ve browned 5 lbs. in a 6 quart Crockpot in 4 hours, and 1 lb. in a 4 quart Crockpot in 2 hours.
5. When it’s done, drain and discard any excess fat. Don’t pour down the drain, but instead pour into an old yogurt container and place in your garbage… your drains will thank you. 🙂
How to Season Browned Meat
If you want seasoned browned meat, now that it’s done, it’s time to add in your seasonings!
Taco Meat
1. Mix in this Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe with a little water, stir well.
2. Allow meat to cook approximately 15 minutes longer on LOW, and you’re done!
3. Use some in your meal that day, or freeze pre-seasoned meat for a quick and easy meal later! (taco night, burritos, nachos, pasta sauce, etc.)
Pasta Meat Sauce
1. With 1 lb. of browned meat, pour in a 24 oz. jar of Marinara sauce, and sprinkle with a little Salt, Pepper, Basil, Oregano, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder.
2. Stir well, and turn Crockpot to LOW, stirring occasionally and allowing to simmer while flavors blend together.
3. Pour over cooked pasta for an easy dinner, and ENJOY!
Want some more simple tricks?
I’m all about keeping it simple in the kitchen, so here are some more of my favorite Meat Browning Tips…
Can You Freeze Browned Beef?
Yes… you sure can brown your meat before freezing!
I’ve found this to be a BIG time-saver! Rather than dealing with frozen raw meat, now I can just grab a bag of frozen (already browned) meat out of the freezer!
Sometimes I’ll even pre-season it with taco seasoning like I mentioned above when browning it… so that’s checked off the list, too!
Half the battle is already over, and dinner comes together so much quicker!
Related: 101 Easy Meal Prep Ideas
Can You Reuse Freezer Bags for Meat?
Yes… and it will save you so much money!
Have you noticed how expensive freezer bags have gotten lately?
Yikes, right?
Many freezer gallon bags are now 25 cents each. So every time you wash and reuse one, you’ll save a quarter.
Oh I know that doesn’t sound like much, but did you know if you found a way to save just 27 cents a day you’d be saving over $100 a year?
And let me tell you… I can think of a whole lot of things that are more fun to spend $100 a year on than freezer bags. 🙂
So yes… another simple trick is to simply reuse the freezer bags you store your browned meat in.
Reusing freezer bags is a simple way to save a little extra $$… and since you’ve already browned your meat, the bags won’t be the ooey-gooey throw away kind anymore!
Just rinse, clean, and reuse!
More Time Saving Kitchen Hacks
I’ve got even more easy recipes and Genius Kitchen Tips and tricks I know you’ll love.
Have fun checking out these easy ideas…
How to Shred Meat (4 fast easy tricks!)
These simple little tricks are perfect for cutting down on time in the kitchen and quickly shredding chicken or pulling pork!
Crockpot Caramelized Onions
This easy Crockpot Caramelized Onions method takes the time and effort out of caramelizing onions!
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Make your own Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe in a snap with just 6 Ingredients!
Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe (Taco Tuesday Everyday)
The scratch made Fajita Seasoning adds the flavor your chicken dinner has been craving.
Crockpot Beef Tacos Recipe
Get ready to feed a crowd whenever they are ready with this tasty Crockpot Beef Tacos Recipe!
Easy Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe
Is it time for your Taco Tuesday to have a delicious makeover? You’ll LOVE this Easy Crockpot Taco Soup Recipe!
150 Fall Crockpot Recipes
With over so many cozy recipes and Fall Crockpot Meals to choose from, you never know how many new ideas you might fall in love with!
Clever Food Prep and Grocery Tips
101 Easy Meal Prep Ideas
Mealtime is about to get ridiculously simple with this HUGE list of Easy Meal Prep Ideas! You won’t believe how much time and money you’ll save each week!
Recipes To Feed a Crowd + Cheap Ways To Feed A Party!
Whether you’re in need of some cheap ways to feed a party, easy potluck recipes, or cheap family meals for those out of town guests, these easy recipes to feed a crowd will save the day!
20 Ways to Save Money on Meat (How to Save BIG All Year Long)
Are you looking for some Easy Ways to Save Money on Meat? With grocery prices soaring, these simple tips and tricks are just what you need!
How To Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half (35 Money Saving Tips)
Want to know how to cut your grocery bill in half? Keep more cash in your wallet with these easy money saving tricks!
So have you tried this Crockpot Browning Meat method yet??
Leave a comment & share!
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Gwyn says
Saves time without losing that browned flavor. Yum.
Heidi says
I agree… browning meat in your slow cooker is such a great trick!
Sabra Ewing says
If you put a liner in the slow cooker, will this still work?
Heidi says
I honestly haven’t tried it that way, Sabra… but if you do, let me know how it turns out!
Lacey says
When you add the taco seasoning do you also add water too?
Heidi says
Hi Lacey,
Here are step-by-step instructions to make this with the Taco Seasoning:
https://thefrugalgirls.com/2017/07/crockpot-beef-tacos-recipe.html
Hope that helps! 🙂
~ Heidi
mar says
Hi, does anyone knows how long can the cooked meat ( ground beef) last in the freezer???? I would like to brown all my meat and freeze it…I’m willing to try everything to save time…my kids love spaghetti so it wold be awesome if i can brown the meat in advance to have it ready for the spaghetti. Thank you!!!
tess says
I knew you could do this!!! Thank you so much for sharing this!!! 🙂
Stephanie Shipley says
I love this tip! There is nothing (as far as cooking goes) I dislike more than standing over the skillet browning hamburger meat and I love using my slow cooker 🙂
Janis says
I solved the “browning” problem by browning all of my meat when I purchase it. I make a huge mess all at once and then just chill it and freeze it. It works for ground beef, pork chops, roasts and just about everything.
It works best if you buy a whole lot at once. You can just re-use the same pans and then clean up the range just ONCE. It’s a win/win as far as I’m concerned.
Kellye Bi=rown says
I am a huge fan of The Frugal Girls. I have been reading about browning ground beef in the crock pot, and now I can’t wait to try it. Sure beats standing over the stove waiting on it to brown. I also want to look into the Pampered Chef thing. Not sure what it does, but sounds like it would be a big help too. I have had 6 back surgeries and standing at the stove really aggrevates my back. Anything to quicken the process if A OK by me. Also, my family loves bacon. But, then again, that’s one of the things that starts my back hurting. Any ideas to simplify cooking bacon? Thanks for all your super ideas! Kellye
Carrie says
Kellye-You can cook bacon on a tray in the oven, it’s been on pintrest so should be easy to find but think it takes about 20 mins hth
Dee says
My back was broken about 40 years ago and I am currently recouping from major neck surgery so I understand how painful that stove and sink can be.
Please let me help with the bacon. For as long as there have been microwaves that’s how I cook my bacon. Place six slices on a bacon pan, cover and start out with 6 minutes and add more minutes one at a time until
It’s nice and crisp. Best darn bacon you have ever tasted. Be sure to spray or oil the pan and save those drippings to season with later.
Hang in there.
Dee says
One of my biggest time savers in the kitchen is to recruit my husband, and anyone else that walks by, and dice onions, celery and bell peppers and freeze them in bags, so they are ready when I am. By freezing enough to last until the next year I save not only time but money also. This one is hands down my favorite. Hope this helps……
Sam says
Yes I chop veggies to store in freezer too! You can buy more and if/when you notice them going bad, I dice, chop, chunk, however I like them cut and store in baggies, SOOO much faster & easier when preparing meals. Quick easy eggs when you have pre-diced onions & bell peppers, use whats needed no waste!!
I am def gonna try the crockpot ground beef, this could be a lifesaver for me!!
Amy McAlexander says
I love cooking my ground meat in my crockpot….If you put it in frozen you can cook it on low the whole day while you are gone or at work. Also, baked potatoes are awesome in the crock pot. Clean them and wrap them in aluminum foil then put them in the crock pot on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4 hours. So much better than microwave and easy!
Heidi says
Ooh ~ thanks for the tip, Amy… I’ll have to try that!
~ Heidi
Debbie U says
When you cook it on low, will it come out crumbly and do you cook 5 lbs at a time?
Heidi says
Hi Debbie ~ for the ground beef… yes, I cooked five pounds at one time. To keep it crumbly, you’ll need to periodically mash and stir with a spoon or masher to prevent it from clumping together. Hope that helps! 😉
~ Heidi
Denise says
Cooking ground beef from frozen in the crockpot might not maintain safe temperatures to prevent food poisoning. It is more risky than other meats because it has so much more surface area for bacteria to breed on.
Jennifer says
This is a very useful tip for a college student living in the dorms. Thank you very much.
Heidi says
You’re very welcome!! 😉
~ Heidi
anon says
I freeze my burger meat pre-cooked, but I don’t fry it or brown it. I boil a large kettle of water and crumble 5#’s of ground meat into it. I will also put some dehydrated onions in the pot. With a strainer over a larger pot, just drain the meat when cooked (takes 5-8 minutes), cool, and separate into freezer bags. When cool, I pour the water down the drain, making sure to use cold water to flush it. I have never had my drain back up but you have to make sure the water is cool to cold before doing this. I love having my meat pre-cooked and it can be used for everything except hamburgers and meatloaf.
doughiedeb says
Hallmark sells a tool exactly like the pampered chef tool that is about half the price and just as nice!
Paula says
Where do you find Hallmark kitchen tools? I’m interested in the tool to break up ground beef/turkey.
Thanks ~
Jean Eldridge says
Have just discovered the frugalgirls.com. Love it!
Debbie U says
I have just discovered it too, I really missed out!
tamara says
I’m definitely going to do this. This is the time of year where you wish the meat was ready for your dish…this way it will be!
Pearl says
I love cooking up hamburger in the crockpot key is to mark the bags – I have some just beef, beef and cream of mushroom soup&gravy. Usually I season and cook beef remove 2/3 to freeze then add 2 cans rinsed kidney beans,large jar of Salsa, 1 can of Delmonte diced seasoned tomatoes and let it cook atleast and hour to blend the flavors – I will have some that day and I will freeze the chilli in 2 cup portions for future QUICK meals. Just heat in microwave and sprink cheese of choice.
Carolyn Dunn says
I LOVE the frugal idea of reusing freezer bags but I NEVER reuse the ones that have contained meat or cheese, as they are a breeding ground for bacteria. And that cannot be washed away.
Jan says
I reuse freezer bags. What I do is to keep the ones I have used in the freezer–empty. If you are not leaving them out at room temp, I think it would be hard for bacteria to grow on them and they take up hardly any room in the freezer!!
Linda Gialouris says
This is what I do too. I put them in the freezer empty and then reuse them. I also keep and reuse the bags I use for cheese and dry items like uncooked macaroni and spaghetti.
Venessa says
Great idea. I will though go with Kathleen M’s idea of browning the meat in a skillet and then freezing it. I love ‘saving time’ tips!
Kimberly says
For those of us with limited freezer space (okay, I don’t have too little, I just store too much in the freezer), you can also can browned beef. It’s really simple and lasts for a long time (if canned properly it can last up to three years). More importantly, it makes meals even faster than just pulling from the freezer, it’s just popping the lid on the jar and heating through. We can all kinds of prepared and partially prepared meat dishes (soups, stews, italian chicken, bbq pork, etc.). Not only does it make for super simple and fast meals, but it gives me comfort knowing I’m storing foods healthy foods my family loves to eat in case of times of need.
Sarah says
Do you have to have a pressure canner to can meat, or can you use stock pot method? I’m still new to canning.
Kimberly says
Whats the best way to reheat once you take it out of the freezer? You wouldnt want to overcook it, right?
Nancy says
Place your meat in a strainer and then place the strainer over a bowl slightly bigger than the strainer. Cook in the microwave stirring a couple time throughout. Cooks fast and drains at the same time.
Krizinne Cross says
I am sorry but you cannot and will not actually brown meat in the crock pot. That is steaming the meat.
Judy says
The meat turns brown when cooked. The method doesn’t matter. True, it is not fried and crispy. It IS browned. You can also brown meat in the microwave, but keep a loose lid or paper towel on it to prevent too many spatters.
I can’t wait to try the crock pot method to brown ground beef.
KelleyP says
You can brown meat in a moist environment. The Maillard reaction does occur when the protein is cooked over 350 for a length of time. Check out the America’s Test Kitchen on the subject.
Melissa says
yes, you can! maybe you need a new crockpot.
Sarah H says
The pampered chef mix n chop is the BEST!!!!
melissa says
I love that tool! It’s become my best friend in the kitchen. 🙂