This Slow Cooker Beetroot Ground Beef Recipe is a hearty, comforting meal that combines savory ground beef with naturally sweet, earthy beetroot, tender vegetables, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Slow cooking allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making this an easy family dinner for busy weeknights.
It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, crusty bread, or egg noodles.
20 min
Prep time
5–7 hrs
Cook time
6 servings
Yield
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds (680 g) lean ground beef
- 2 medium beetroots, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed for browning
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions: Step by Step
Step 1: Brown the ground beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Drain excess grease before transferring the mixture to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the beetroot and vegetables
Peel the beetroot and cut it into small, evenly sized cubes. Slice the carrots and prepare the remaining ingredients. Wear kitchen gloves if desired to prevent beetroot juice from staining your hands.
Step 3: Add everything to the slow cooker
Add the browned beef and onion mixture, diced beetroot, carrots, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Slow cook until tender
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. The beetroot should become fork-tender, and the mixture should be thoroughly hot. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the beetroot cubes and your slow cooker.
Step 5: Adjust the flavor
Stir the stew and taste it. Add a little more salt or black pepper if needed. For a brighter flavor that balances the beetroot’s natural sweetness, stir in the optional red wine vinegar or lemon juice. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the final 20–30 minutes and allow some liquid to evaporate while keeping the stew hot.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Ladle the hot beef and beetroot stew into serving bowls. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or crusty bread. Enjoy your hearty homemade dinner!
Tips for the Best Results
- Cut the beetroot evenly: Small cubes cook more consistently and become tender more quickly.
- Brown the beef first: This adds a deeper savory flavor and lets you remove excess fat.
- Balance the sweetness: A splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens the tomato and beetroot flavors.
- Add more vegetables: Diced potatoes, celery, or bell peppers work well in this stew.
- Want a thicker sauce? Stir in a slurry made with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water during the final 20–30 minutes, then cook until thickened.
Serving Suggestions
4
This stew tastes delicious with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- A fresh green salad
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until the center reaches 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of broth if needed.
- Food safety: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Recipe Details
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 5–7 hours on LOW
- Total time: Approximately 5 hours 20 minutes to 7 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Course: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked beetroot?
Yes, but add it during the final 30–60 minutes of cooking so it warms through without becoming too soft.
Can I use frozen ground beef?
Thaw the ground beef safely in the refrigerator before browning it. Do not put frozen ground beef directly into the slow cooker.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a diced chili pepper to give the stew some heat.
Will the beetroot change the color of the stew?
Yes. Beetroot naturally releases a deep red color, giving the sauce an attractive reddish-purple appearance.
