Slow cooker 4-ingredient ground beef Kensington is the kind of economical family supper that earned its place in many Midwestern kitchens because it stretches simple pantry staples into something filling, savory, and comforting. The appeal is straightforward: browned ground beef, a tomato-rich sauce, and slow simmering time come together into a spoonable dish that tastes even better as it sits, making it especially useful for busy late-summer evenings when you want dinner to take care of itself.
This dish is especially good served over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or thick slices of toast to catch the rich broth. For a fuller plate, add green beans, sweet corn, a simple cucumber salad, or coleslaw on the side, and if you like a little brightness, finish each serving with chopped parsley or a few grinds of black pepper.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Ground Beef Kensington
Servings: 8
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, diced
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion, breaking the meat into small crumbles, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain off excess fat.
2. Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with their juices until well combined.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the flavors meld and the broth is rich and gently bubbling. Stir once or twice if convenient.
4. Taste and serve hot in bowls or over potatoes, noodles, rice, or toast.
Variations & Tips
Stretch It Further: To make the meal go even farther, serve the beef mixture over cooked rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. The broth is especially good with a starch that can soak it up.
Add Pantry Seasoning: Even though the classic version is very simple, a pinch of garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, or paprika can add another layer of flavor without changing the spirit of the dish.
Make It Heartier: If you want a thicker, stew-like texture, stir in a drained can of beans or a few cups of cooked potatoes during the last hour of cooking.
Storage Tip: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and often taste even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if you want a looser broth.
Budget Tip: This recipe works best with economical ground beef, and draining well after browning keeps the finished dish from tasting greasy. If your tomatoes are especially acidic, a small pinch of sugar can round out the flavor.