Name: Crockpot Thai Basil Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491122H57M20S
Total time: PT-491122H57M20S
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or chicken or pork); black pepper to taste; 6 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice; 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce; 1/2 cup Thai chili sauce (see notes for homemade version); 2 red bell peppers, sliced; 2 cups chopped broccoli; 1 cup cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup Thai basil, chopped; 3-4 cups steamed rice; 1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Introduction

This Crockpot Thai Basil Beef is a flavorful and easy slow-cooker meal perfect for busy days. Ground beef simmers with fragrant spices, garlic, and a spicy Thai chili sauce, then fresh vegetables and herbs are added to finish. Serve it over steamed rice for a delicious weeknight dinner that feels special.

A green bowl filled with two main layers: on the right side, a mound of white rice topped with light brown sesame seeds, and on the left side, cooked minced meat mixed with small pieces of red bell pepper and green broccoli, all garnished with fresh green basil leaves. A white ceramic soup spoon rests on the right side of the bowl, partially in the rice, and a pair of dark brown chopsticks lay on the left side of the bowl, crossing each other. Next to the bowl is a small white plate with a heap of chopped peanuts, placed on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or chicken or pork)

Black pepper, to taste

6 cloves garlic, chopped

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice

1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce

1/2 cup Thai chili sauce (see notes for homemade version)

2 red bell peppers, sliced

2 cups chopped broccoli

1 cup cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup Thai basil, chopped

3-4 cups steamed rice

1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Set your crockpot to high. Add the ground meat and break it up with a fork. Stir in the chopped garlic, ground ginger, Chinese 5 Spice, tamari or soy sauce, Thai chili sauce, and season with black pepper. Mix well to combine and break up the meat further. Add the sliced red bell peppers on top.

Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meat is cooked through and the flavors meld.

Step 3: About 20 minutes before serving, increase the crockpot heat to high. Stir in the chopped broccoli, cilantro, and Thai basil. Let cook on high until the sauce thickens slightly and the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Step 4: To serve, divide steamed rice among bowls and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Spoon the beef mixture over the rice, then top with chopped roasted peanuts and additional Thai basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

Substitute ground chicken or pork for beef for a different protein option.

Add additional vegetables like snap peas or sliced carrots during the last 20 minutes for extra crunch and color.

If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Thai chili sauce or serve it on the side.

For a homemade Thai chili sauce, mix together chili flakes, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and a bit of water to taste.

To keep the dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage

Store leftover Thai Basil Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh basil instead of Thai basil?

While Thai basil has a distinct flavor with slight anise notes, fresh sweet basil can be used as a substitute if you can’t find Thai basil. The dish will still be delicious but with a milder herb flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the Thai chili sauce used. It can be moderately spicy or very hot depending on the brand or homemade recipe. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or serve additional chili sauce on the side.