A slow cooker ground beef and stuffing casserole is the kind of practical weeknight meal that earns a permanent place in the rotation. With just five main ingredients, it leans on pantry staples to create a hearty, savory dinner with very little hands-on work. Ground beef brings richness, condensed soup adds creaminess, vegetables contribute sweetness and texture, and boxed stuffing forms a soft, seasoned topping that soaks up all those comforting flavors as it cooks.
This casserole is especially good with simple vegetable sides that balance its richness. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, a crisp garden salad, or glazed carrots all work well, and if you want to stretch the meal a bit further, serve it with cranberry sauce, buttered corn, or a spoonful of mashed potatoes for an extra cozy plate.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Ground Beef and Stuffing Casserole
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 (6-ounce) box stuffing mix
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (12-ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup water
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a little oil if desired. Crumble the raw ground beef evenly into the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Spread the frozen mixed vegetables over the beef in an even layer.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and water until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the vegetables and beef.
4. Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix evenly over the top, covering the casserole as much as possible. Do not stir.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, until the beef is fully cooked and the casserole is hot throughout. Let it rest for 10 minutes before spooning into bowls or onto plates.
Variations & Tips
Use a different soup: Cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cheddar soup can all be swapped in for cream of mushroom if that is what you have on hand. Each changes the character of the casserole a bit, but all keep the texture creamy and satisfying.
Add more seasoning: Stuffing mix already contains quite a bit of seasoning, but a little black pepper, garlic powder, or dried thyme can deepen the flavor. If your ground beef is very lean, a small pat of butter dotted over the stuffing can also add richness.
Choose the right beef: An 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef works especially well here. If you use a higher-fat blend, the casserole may be a bit richer, so spoon off excess grease before serving if needed.
Texture tip: For a softer, spoonable stuffing topping, follow the recipe as written. If you prefer the stuffing more defined, let the casserole rest uncovered for a few minutes after cooking so the top can absorb excess moisture and set slightly.
Make it a complete freezer-style supper: A handful of shredded cheddar sprinkled over the casserole during the last 15 minutes of cooking makes it feel even heartier. It is not necessary, but it is a nice extra when you want something especially cozy.