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Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Carrot Stew

Crock Pot Carrots and Ground Meat blends savory, sweet, and earthy notes into a comforting Southern meal. Simple ingredients yield a rich, satisfying dish that’s perfect over rice.

Overhead shot of a crock pot with carrots and ground meat.
Crock Pot Carrots and Ground Meat

This is a classic Bayou-area recipe from South Louisiana. James remembers his grandmother making it regularly; the carrots and seasoned ground meat are simmered and served over rice for a hearty, homey meal.

What makes this recipe so yummy

The interplay of sweet carrots, savory beef, and umami seasoning creates an addictive flavor profile. The dish is comforting and easy to enjoy in generous portions.

Groceries you’ll need: Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make carrots and ground meat in the slow cooker.
  • Ground beef
  • Carrots
  • Chicken broth
  • Yellow onions
  • Butter
  • White rice
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Creole seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley

See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact quantities.

Recipe walkthrough: Instructions

This overview summarizes the steps. Follow the recipe card below for full measurements and details.

A collage of four images showing how to make crock pot carrots and ground meat, recipe steps 1-4.
  • Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet until no pink remains. Drain and set aside.
  • Step 2: Wipe the skillet, then melt butter over medium heat.
  • Step 3: Sauté diced onions until softened.
  • Step 4: Add sliced carrots and seasonings; cook a few more minutes to combine flavors.
Collage of four images showing how to make crock pot carrots and ground meat, recipe setps 5-8.
  • Step 5: Transfer the vegetables and cooked beef to the slow cooker.
  • Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce.
  • Step 7: Stir, cover, and cook on high for 2 hours.
  • Step 8: Rinse the rice before adding it to prevent excess starch.
Collage of two images showing how to make crock pot carrot and ground meat, recipe steps 9-10.
  • Step 9: Add the rinsed rice to the slow cooker.
  • Step 10: Stir gently, cover, and cook on high another 2 hours. Taste and adjust salt and pepper, then garnish with chopped parsley.

Hint: For a quicker version, add cooked rice near the end—use less liquid if you do.

Recipe variations and substitute ideas

  • Olive oil — use instead of butter.
  • Corn — adds sweetness and texture.
  • Soy sauce — an alternative to Worcestershire sauce.
  • Beef broth — swap for chicken broth for a deeper beef flavor.
  • Green beans — or other vegetables you prefer.

Recipe troubleshooting

Rice is too mushy — that usually means too much liquid was used, the pot was stirred too often, or it cooked too long. Reduce liquid or shortening the rice cooking time helps prevent this.

Front shot of a crock pot with carrots and ground meat sprinkled with parsley.

Sharing is Caring

Necessary gear: equipment

You’ll need a large slow cooker and a skillet.

More slow cooker recipes I think you’ll love

  • Slow Cooker Gumbo
  • Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
  • Southern Crock Pot Pinto Beans With Sausage
  • Slow Cooker Cajun Red Beans and Rice

How to store leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the microwave or gently on the stovetop.

Mel’s kitchen notes

Try mixing in ground breakfast sausage or diced leftover cooked meats for extra flavor and variety.

A dish with carrots and ground meat.

Perfect pairings: what to serve with this dish

  • Sour Cream Cornbread
  • Fluffy Cheddar Biscuits
  • Tangy Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Maque Choux

If you’ve made this Crock Pot Carrots and Ground Meat recipe, please leave a comment below to tell us how it turned out—we love hearing from readers.

If you enjoyed the recipe, consider leaving a 5-star rating.

Carrots and ground meat in a crock pot, cropped square.

Crock Pot Carrots and Ground Meat

A classic Southern slow-cooker dish that pairs sweet carrots with savory ground meat for a comforting meal.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time4 hrs
Total Time4 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 8 people
Cuisine: American, Cajun & Creole, Slow Cooker, Southern
Author: Melanie Cagle

Equipment

  • Large slow cooker
  • Large skillet

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Ground Beef
  • 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 2 Yellow Onions, diced
  • 6 large Carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 Tablespoon Creole Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 4 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 Cups Long Grain White Rice, rinsed
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  • Add the ground beef to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain and set aside.
  • Wipe the skillet with a paper towel and melt the butter in it.
  • Add the diced onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the sliced carrots and seasonings, cooking another 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
  • Transfer the vegetables and cooked ground beef to the slow cooker.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir, cover, and cook on high for 2 hours.
  • Rinse the rice, add it to the slow cooker, stir gently, cover, and cook on high for an additional 2 hours.
  • Give a quick stir, avoid over-stirring, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve over rice or enjoy as is.

Nutrition

Serving: 200 g
| Calories: 479 kcal

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