Slow Cooker 5 Ingredient Beef and Rice Hash

When you need a hearty homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this slow cooker beef and rice hash is a recipe worth keeping on repeat. Made with just five simple ingredients, this comforting meal combines ground beef, tender white rice, creamy mushroom soup, beef broth, and frozen mixed vegetables for an easy family dinner.

As everything cooks together in the slow cooker, the rice absorbs the savory broth while the beef and vegetables create a satisfying, homestyle meal. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights, budget-conscious families, and anyone looking for an easy crockpot dinner with minimal preparation.

The best part? You don’t need complicated ingredients or multiple pots and pans. Simply layer everything in your slow cooker, let it cook, and return to a warm, filling dinner that the whole family can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Rice Recipe

• Only 5 ingredients: Simple pantry staples make this recipe easy to prepare without a long shopping list.
• Easy weeknight dinner: The slow cooker handles most of the work, leaving you more time for other tasks.
• Budget-friendly family meal: Ground beef, rice, and frozen vegetables create a filling dinner using everyday ingredients.
• A complete one-pot meal: Beef, rice, and vegetables come together in one convenient dish.
• Creamy, savory flavor: Condensed cream of mushroom soup and beef broth give the rice a rich, comforting taste.
• Easy to customize: Add your favorite seasonings, swap the vegetables, or finish with shredded cheese for a different flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 bag (12 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables

Optional Seasonings and Toppings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

These optional additions can enhance the flavor without changing the simple five-ingredient foundation.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Rice Hash

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to help prevent sticking.

Add the ground beef and break it into smaller pieces. For a more even texture and easier fat removal, you can brown the beef in a skillet first, drain the excess fat, and then transfer it to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Uncooked Rice

Sprinkle the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly over the ground beef. Spread it into a relatively even layer so the rice cooks as consistently as possible.

Step 3: Add the Soup and Vegetables

Spoon the condensed cream of mushroom soup over the rice. Add the frozen mixed vegetables, distributing them evenly throughout the slow cooker.

Pour the beef broth over the ingredients. If desired, add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for extra flavor.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for approximately 4–5 hours, checking for doneness toward the earlier end of the cooking window.

About halfway through cooking, stir the mixture carefully to break up the beef and distribute the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid unnecessarily, as this releases heat and can extend the cooking time.

Because slow cookers vary, check that the rice is tender, the dish is thoroughly hot, and the ground beef has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If the rice is still firm, continue cooking until tender, adding a little hot broth if needed.

Step 5: Stir and Serve

Once everything is cooked, stir the beef and rice mixture thoroughly. If you want a cheesier version, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and allow it to melt before serving.

Spoon the warm beef and rice hash into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Serve immediately for a cozy, satisfying family dinner.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef and Rice Hash

Use long-grain white rice. This recipe is designed for uncooked long-grain white rice. Brown rice, instant rice, and other varieties require different cooking times and liquid amounts, so avoid substituting them without adjusting the recipe.

Brown the ground beef for extra flavor. Although browning adds a step, it helps develop a deeper savory flavor and allows you to drain excess fat before slow cooking.

Keep the rice covered with liquid. Rice needs sufficient moisture to cook properly. Stirring halfway through helps distribute the broth and prevents uneven cooking.

Choose vegetables your family enjoys. Frozen peas and carrots, corn, or a classic mixed vegetable blend all work well. There is no need to thaw frozen vegetables beforehand.

Adjust the consistency if necessary. If the mixture becomes too thick before the rice is tender, add a small amount of hot beef broth. If it seems too moist, let it stand covered for a few minutes after cooking so the rice can absorb some of the remaining liquid.

Season toward the end. Condensed soup and beef broth can already contain plenty of sodium. Taste the finished dish before adding salt.

Easy Variations

Cheesy Beef and Rice Hash

Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the finished mixture for a creamy, cheesy variation that is especially appealing to children.

Garlic and Onion Beef Rice

Add garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper for a deeper, more savory flavor.

Vegetable-Packed Beef and Rice

Add extra frozen peas, carrots, or corn if you want to increase the vegetable content. Make sure there is enough liquid for the rice to cook properly.

Mushroom Beef and Rice

For a more pronounced mushroom flavor, add a handful of sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.

Mild Family-Friendly Version

Keep the seasonings simple and use peas and carrots instead of a mixed vegetable blend. Serve shredded cheese separately so everyone can customize their bowl.

What to Serve with Beef and Rice Hash

Although this slow cooker ground beef and rice recipe is satisfying on its own, a simple side dish can make dinner feel even more complete.

• Steamed or buttered green beans
• A crisp green salad with a light dressing
• Roasted carrots
• Steamed broccoli
• Sweet corn
• Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread

For a lighter meal, pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-ahead preparation: Measure the rice, soup, broth, and frozen vegetables in advance and refrigerate them separately as appropriate. Keep raw ground beef refrigerated until you are ready to cook. For food safety, avoid assembling raw beef and other ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerating it for an extended period.

Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers to shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours. Store for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing: Freeze cooled leftovers in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality.

Reheating: Reheat thoroughly to 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice and restore a creamy consistency. When reheating frozen portions, thaw safely in the refrigerator or use an appropriate microwave defrost setting before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put uncooked white rice in a slow cooker with ground beef?

Yes, uncooked long-grain white rice can be cooked with ground beef in a slow cooker when the recipe provides sufficient liquid and an appropriate cooking time. Check the rice for tenderness before serving.

Do I need to brown the ground beef first?

Browning is recommended for better flavor and easier removal of excess fat. However, the original layering method starts with raw ground beef. If you use raw beef, break it into small pieces and verify that it reaches 160°F (71°C) throughout.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice generally requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. It is better to use a recipe specifically developed for brown rice rather than substituting it directly.

Can I make this beef and rice recipe without cream of mushroom soup?

You can experiment with another condensed cream soup, such as cream of celery, but the flavor and consistency will change. You may also need to adjust the amount of liquid.

Why is my slow cooker rice still hard?

The rice may need more cooking time or additional liquid. Slow cookers vary in temperature, and opening the lid frequently can slow cooking. Add a little hot broth if necessary and continue cooking until the rice is tender.

Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

You can measure and prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it is best to keep raw beef refrigerated separately and assemble the dish just before cooking.