You can put raw hamburger or any other raw meat in a slow cooker.
The slow cooker will cook the raw hamburger and other meat slowly along with other ingredients you put into it.
Some people prefer to brown their hamburger first and then place it in the slow cooker.
But if you want to simply toss some raw hamburger meat or other raw meat into the slow cooker you can do so.
Many slow cooker chili recipes will have a step saying to brown the beef before it goes into the slow cooker which is not absolutely necessary but browning and caramelizing the meat leads to richer, bolder flavors.
Smaller amounts of slow cooker hamburger only need a few hours before they are done.
There are so many benefits to cooking raw hamburger in a slow cooker.
Not only does it make the meat far juicier and more tender but it also works with all kinds of meats.
No matter your preference, this cooking method works well with whole cuts of pork, beef, lamb, and even veal.
You can add beef to the slow cooker without browning.
Searing it in a hot pan to create a caramelized crust is not necessary but can make a richer flavor.
Simply add the raw meat to your slow cooker with aromatics, stock and sauces and cook either on High for 4-5 hours or on Low for 5-8 hours.
Each slow cooker meal's cooking time differs depending on the meat and its weight.
The low setting is important so you don't overcook the raw meat, potentially leaving you with a dry or tough meal.
In general, it's best to stick to the indicated cook time on the recipe you're following.
Most slow cooker meals take 8-12 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high, but there are also recipes for slow-cooked meat that take up to 24 hours.