For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying and convenient meals can sometimes be a challenge. However, with a little creativity, you can enjoy your favorite comfort foods while staying within your macros. Crockpot recipes are a fantastic way to simplify meal preparation, and they're perfect for busy weeknights. This article explores several mouthwatering keto hamburger crockpot recipes that are easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to become staples in your keto meal plan.
Keto Meatloaf in a Crockpot: The Ultimate Comfort Food
One standout recipe is keto meatloaf made in a slow cooker. This method ensures the meatloaf is incredibly tender and juicy, practically melting in your mouth. Paired with creamy mashed cauliflower, it makes for a hearty and healthy comfort food meal. A touch of sugar-free BBQ sauce adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
Why Cook Meatloaf in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking meatloaf in a slow cooker offers several advantages:
- Moist Heat: Slow cookers provide gentle, moist heat, preventing the meatloaf from drying out.
- Convenient Timing: You can program your crockpot for a delayed start, or let the finished meatloaf stay warm until you're ready to eat.
- Easy Clean-Up: Simply pour out the juices and soak the crockpot insert in soapy water.
Ingredients for Keto Meatloaf
To make this delectable keto meatloaf, you'll need:
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Onion
- Keto-friendly cracker crumbs (such as Real Phat Foods cracker crumbs)
- Eggs
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Keto BBQ Sauce (homemade or store-bought, like Yo Mama’s No Sugar Added BBQ Sauce or Keto Primo)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, cracker crumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the eggs and mix well with your hands until fully combined.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Set a trivet into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. This keeps the meatloaf off the bottom and allows fat and juices to drain.
- Form the Loaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf roughly 5 x 9 inches on a piece of tinfoil. Poke a few holes in the foil to allow the fat and liquids to drain away from the meatloaf.
- Cook: Lift the foil by the edges and place it on the trivet in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Add BBQ Sauce: In the last half hour of cooking, brush the top and sides with about 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce.
- Serve: Use two serving forks to lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker and onto a serving platter.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Meatloaf
- Trivet Placement: Placing a trivet in the slow cooker ensures even cooking and allows excess fat and juices to drain.
- Cooking Time: Depending on your schedule, you can cook the meatloaf on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 160ºF in the center, especially since it contains ground pork.
- Keto Breadcrumbs: The cracker crumbs from Real Phat Foods work well as a binder, but almond flour or crushed pork rinds can also be used.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to two months.
Crock Pot Big Mac Casserole: A Keto-Friendly Twist on a Classic
For those who love the flavors of a Big Mac, the Crock Pot Big Mac Casserole is a fantastic keto-friendly option. This recipe captures all the classic flavors you love in an easy, quick, and family-friendly meal.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients for Big Mac Casserole
- Ground beef
- Shredded cheese
- Pickles
- Onions
- Big Mac sauce (made with sugar-free ketchup, dill pickle relish, and Erythritol Sweetener)
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Garlic powder
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown ground beef with garlic powder and onions.
- Add the ground beef mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Stir in Worcestershire Sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream.
- Stir until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Cook for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Tips for the Perfect Big Mac Casserole
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap the ketchup for sugar-free ketchup, use dill pickle relish instead of sweet pickle relish, and replace the sugar with Erythritol Sweetener.
- Storage: Leftover Big Mac casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Keto Taco Ground Beef Casserole: A Spicy and Cheesy Delight
If you're in the mood for something with a bit of a kick, the Keto Taco Ground Beef Casserole is an excellent choice. This recipe is full of flavor and can be topped with anything you would put on a taco.
Ingredients for Taco Ground Beef Casserole
- Lean ground beef
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Chili powder
- Cauliflower (chopped)
- Bell peppers (chopped)
- Cream cheese (cubed)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Pasta sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Crumble the raw ground beef into the crockpot.
- Mix together the spices in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle half of the spices over the ground beef, then mix the rest of the spices into the marinara sauce.
- Add the sauce to the meat and mix those together.
- Chop the vegetables into small bite-sized pieces and place in the slow cooker.
- Chop the cream cheese into chunks and scatter around on top of the veggies.
- Lastly, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top and put the lid on.
- Cook on low for at least 3-4 hours or until the meat is cooked through and the veggies have softened.
- Mix halfway through the cooking to get everything incorporated well.
- Let it cool a bit before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Taco Ground Beef Casserole
- Spice Level: This recipe uses a lot of spices but is not overly spicy. Adjust the amount of spice to your preference.
- Lean Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to avoid the casserole becoming too greasy.
- Cauliflower: The cauliflower adds bulk without adding carbs.
- Mixing: Make sure to mix the casserole halfway through to ensure everything is incorporated.
Keto Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup: A Bowl of Comfort
For a warm and comforting meal, Keto Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup is a fantastic option. This soup is incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Soup
- Lean ground beef
- Bacon
- Beef broth
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles
- Cream cheese
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Ranch dressing mix
- Hamburger seasoning (such as McCormick Grill Mates or Weber Gourmet Burger Seasoning)
- Salt and black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook lean ground beef and bacon over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Add the cooked meat to the crockpot.
- Add beef broth, Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles, hamburger seasoning, cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing mix. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low until heated through.
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Soup
- Precooked Bacon: Use precooked bacon to save time.
- Hamburger Seasoning: McCormick Grill Mates Hamburger Seasoning or Weber Gourmet Burger Seasoning will give the soup a classic hamburger flavor.
- Toppings: Top the soup with extra cheese, sour cream, or pickles.
- Storage: You can freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.
Keto Taco Soup: A Creamy and Flavorful Delight
Another excellent soup option is Keto Taco Soup. This creamy, low-carb soup is easy to make in either a crockpot or on the stovetop.
Ingredients for Taco Soup
- Ground beef
- Cream cheese
- Onion
- Mexican seasonings
- Beef broth
- Rotel Tomatoes (Do Not Drain)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Stovetop:
- Add in beef broth & Rotel Tomatoes (Do Not Drain).
- Simmer for 5 Minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese & stir.
- Cook another 5 Minutes!
Crockpot:
- Crumble raw ground beef in the crockpot.
- Add in the rest of the ingredients.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Tips for the Perfect Taco Soup
- Freezer-Friendly: You can make this ahead and freeze for later. Hold off on the cream cheese and add it when you reheat it.
- Versatile: This recipe is adaptable and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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