This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Creamed Corn is a warm, hearty comfort-food dinner made with tender ground beef, sweet creamed corn, melted cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying family meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
15 min
Prep time
4–6 hrs
Cook time
6 servings
Yield
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 2 cans (14–15 oz each) creamed corn
- 1 cup frozen or canned sweet corn, drained if canned
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the ground beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef into small crumbles, until the beef is browned and the onion has softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Add ingredients to the slow cooker
Transfer the browned beef mixture to a 4–6-quart slow cooker. Add the creamed corn, sweet corn, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Slow cook until tender
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until hot and bubbling around the edges. Cooking times vary by slow cooker, so check that the mixture is thoroughly heated.
Step 4: Make it extra creamy
About 20–30 minutes before serving, stir in the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and optional butter. Cover and cook until the cheeses melt. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Adjust the consistency
Stir everything together and taste. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of warm broth. If it’s too thin, leave the lid slightly ajar for a short time while stirring occasionally, making sure the mixture remains hot.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve warm over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or alongside crusty bread for a filling and delicious meal.
Tips for the Best Results
- Brown the beef first: This improves flavor and allows you to drain excess fat before slow cooking.
- Use softened cream cheese: It melts more smoothly and helps prevent lumps.
- Choose your cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a stronger flavor; Monterey Jack makes the sauce especially creamy.
- Add a little heat: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños if you like a spicy kick.
- Make it a complete meal: Add frozen peas or diced bell peppers during the final hour of cooking.
What to Serve With It
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Egg noodles or pasta
- Roasted green beans or broccoli
- Cornbread or warm dinner rolls
- A crisp green salad
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a suitable airtight container for up to 2 months for best quality. The creamy sauce may change texture slightly after thawing.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a little milk or broth if needed.
- Food safety: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Recipe Details
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 4–6 hours on LOW
- Total time: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Course: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well, although the flavor will be a little lighter. Brown it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I make this without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes. Substitute cream of chicken soup or a similar condensed cream soup. For a mushroom-free option, choose a soup that suits your dietary needs.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes. Add small, evenly diced potatoes at the beginning. Make sure they become fork-tender before serving; larger pieces may need extra cooking time.
Can I cook this overnight?
It’s best to follow the recipe’s recommended cooking times rather than leave it cooking overnight. Once cooked, keep it at a safe temperature or refrigerate it promptly.
