There are some dinners that just feel like home, and this slow cooker ground beef and tomato rice is one of them. It is hearty, saucy, filling, and incredibly easy to put together.

I usually make this when I want something comforting without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. Ground beef cooks with tomatoes, onions, seasonings, and rice until everything comes together into one rich, savory dish. Honestly, the best part is how little cleanup there is afterward.

The finished rice is tender and flavorful, while the little bits of browned beef add plenty of richness. It reminds me of the kind of unfussy family dinner you can put in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves.

If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker dinner, this one is definitely worth adding to your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: Most of the work is simply adding the ingredients to the slow cooker.
One-pot meal: No need to prepare a separate main dish and side.
Budget-friendly: Ground beef, rice, canned tomatoes, and onions are inexpensive staples.
Comforting and filling: It’s the kind of dinner that keeps everyone satisfied.
Great for leftovers: The flavors are even better the next day.

Ingredients

For about 6 servings, you’ll need:

1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon olive oil, if browning the beef
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Fresh parsley, for serving

Optional Add-Ins

You can easily make this recipe your own. I sometimes add:

Diced bell pepper
Frozen peas
Corn
Chopped carrots
Mushrooms
A little Worcestershire sauce
Shredded mozzarella instead of cheddar
Hot sauce for extra heat

How to Make Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Tomato Rice

1. Brown the Ground Beef

I usually recommend browning the beef first, even though it adds one extra step.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until browned and no longer pink.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Honestly, you can skip this step if you’re in a rush, but browning the beef gives the finished dish a much deeper, richer flavor.

2. Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease your slow cooker, then add the browned ground beef.

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, rinsed rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.

Sprinkle in the paprika, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes if using.

Give everything a gentle stir so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for about 2½–3½ hours, checking toward the end of the cooking time.

The exact time can vary quite a bit depending on your slow cooker, so I wouldn’t recommend simply setting it and forgetting about it.

You want the rice to be tender and most of the liquid absorbed, but the mixture should still be moist and saucy.

4. Check the Rice

Once the rice is tender, give everything a good stir.

If the mixture looks a little too thick, stir in a splash of warm beef broth.

If the rice needs a few more minutes, cover and continue cooking until tender.

5. Add Cheese

If you’re using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top.

Cover for another 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

This step is optional, but I really like the creamy, cheesy finish.

6. Rest and Serve

Turn off the slow cooker and let the rice rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving.

Finish with chopped fresh parsley and a little extra black pepper.

Then dig in!

Cooking Tips for the Best Beef and Rice

Don’t overcook the rice

Rice can go from perfectly tender to mushy surprisingly quickly. Keep an eye on it toward the end, especially the first time you make this recipe in your particular slow cooker.

Rinse the rice first

I usually rinse long-grain rice under cold water until the water is mostly clear. This removes some excess surface starch and helps prevent the finished dish from becoming overly sticky.

Brown the beef if you have time

This is my favorite little extra step. Browning creates flavorful caramelized bits that you simply don’t get from adding raw beef straight to the slow cooker.

Don’t add extra liquid too quickly

The tomatoes and tomato sauce already contribute quite a bit of moisture. If the mixture looks slightly thick near the end, you can always add more broth, but removing excess liquid is much harder.

Taste before serving

Canned tomatoes and beef broth can vary in saltiness. I always taste the finished dish before adding more salt.

Use long-grain white rice

For this particular recipe, long-grain white rice is my go-to. Different varieties absorb liquid differently, so changing the rice may change the cooking time and liquid requirements.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker ground beef and rice is filling enough to serve on its own, but a few simple sides make it feel like a complete family dinner.

Try serving it with:

A crisp green salad
Steamed broccoli
Roasted vegetables
Garlic bread
Warm dinner rolls
Sautéed green beans
A simple cucumber and tomato salad

For something fresh, I especially like a spoonful of chopped parsley or cilantro over each serving.

And if you enjoy a little heat, serve hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on the side.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover beef and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

When reheating, add a tablespoon or two of water or beef broth before warming. Rice tends to absorb moisture as it sits, so that little splash helps bring the creamy, saucy texture back.

You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger amounts gently in a saucepan.

Approximate Nutrition Information

Nutrition will vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use.

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings:

Calories: 430
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 700 mg

Adding cheese will increase the calories, fat, and protein slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I put raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker?

Yes, but I prefer browning it first. Browning improves the flavor and texture and also allows you to drain away excess grease before adding the beef to the slow cooker.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but I wouldn’t substitute it in a straight 1:1 swap. Brown rice generally needs more liquid and a longer cooking time. For the most reliable results with this recipe, I recommend long-grain white rice.

3. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely. Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce. I usually start with a small amount and add more at the table.

4. Can I freeze leftover beef and rice?

Yes. Allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to about 2–3 months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly with a splash of broth or water.

5. Why did my rice turn mushy?

The most common reason is overcooking. Slow cookers vary considerably, and rice continues absorbing liquid as it cooks. Start checking the rice toward the lower end of the suggested cooking time and turn off the slow cooker as soon as the rice is tender.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker ground beef and tomato rice recipe is exactly the kind of meal I love having in my back pocket. It’s inexpensive, comforting, filling, and doesn’t require a long list of complicated ingredients.

I usually serve it straight from the slow cooker with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables, and that’s honestly all it needs. The combination of savory ground beef, tomato-rich sauce, tender rice, and sweet onion makes every bite satisfying.

If you’re after an easy one-pot beef dinner that feels homemade, give this one a try. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but cozy enough for a relaxed family dinner.