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Crockpot Thai Basil Beef Sesame Rice Bowls.
You’re going to love these easy, colorful bowls! The most delicious spicy-salty-sweet Thai flavors and made almost entirely in the crockpot. The beef (or chicken, if you prefer) slow cooks all day in a sweet Thai basil chili sauce. It’s then served over bowls of fluffy coconut sesame rice. Finish each bowl with fresh basil, a sprinkle of peanuts, and plenty of veggies for that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Yep, we’re only a few days into September and I’m already reaching for my crockpot. Honestly, I’ve been using it nonstop over the past month. I’ve been testing new recipes, both for fall and for some exciting projects to come. But I have to say, these rice bowls might just be one of my favorites.
They’re inspired by a Thai basil beef recipe I shared years ago, but this version is made even easier thanks to the crockpot. Just drop everything in, let it cook all day, and come home to dinner ready and waiting. I love topping the coconut rice with the saucy beef and adding in seasonal veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or even your summer zucchini. It’s a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner that everyone always loves!
Here are the details
Ingredients
- ground beef
- black pepper
- garlic
- ground ginger
- Chinese 5-spice
- tamari/soy sauce
- Thai chili sauce
- red bell peppers
- broccoli
- fresh cilantro
- fresh sweet basil (or Thai basil if you have it)
- white rice – or use your favorite variety
- toasted sesame seeds
- peanuts
Special Tools
This recipe calls for a crockpot. If you don’t have a crockpot, make this recipe here! Other than that, nothing fancy here!
Steps
Step 1: Set it and go
Set your crockpot to high. Add the beef, garlic, ginger, Chinese five spice, tamari, Thai chili sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss in the red pepper as well.
Give everything a quick stir to break up the meat and coat it in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
Note: My crockpot can actually cook the raw beef through in about 2 hours on high, so keep in mind that cook times can vary depending on your machine. Adjust as needed.
Also, I like my red peppers to be really cooked down. If you prefer them to stay a little more crisp, wait and add them in with the broccoli in Step 2.
Step 2: Stir in the greens and herbs
Once the beef is fully cooked (or when you’re ready to serve), stir in the broccoli, cilantro, and basil. I usually add another pinch of pepper here too. Salt if you feel it needs it, though I find the sauce salty enough as is.
Cover and cook just until the broccoli is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 3: Build your bowls
Start with a base of coconut rice and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Spoon the saucy beef over the top, then finish each bowl with roasted peanuts and plenty of fresh basil (Thai basil if you can find it).
These bowls come together so quickly, they’re full of flavor, and the color is just so pretty. Truly the best kind of recipe!
Something special to note
Since most store-bought sweet Thai chili sauces are packed with sugar, I like to make my own. My version is a quick mix of honey, chili paste, a little ketchup, plus garlic, ginger, and lime. It’s super simple, and such a fun, healthier swap if you want to try it (recipe included in the Notes section of the recipe).
Looking for other quick weeknight dinners? Here are some favorites:
Chili Crisp Chicken Mango Cucumber Rice Bowl
30 Minute Caramelized Shallot Beef Ramen Noodles
Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper
Coconut Popcorn Chicken with Sweet Thai Chili Lime Sauce
30 Minute Sticky Thai Meatballs with Sesame Noodles
Better Than Takeout Sweet Thai Basil Chicken
Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls
Lastly, if you make this Crockpot Thai Basil Beef, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Crockpot Thai Basil Beef
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 574 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or chicken or pork
- black pepper
- 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 (homemade in notes)
- 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
- 1. Set your crockpot to high. Drop in the raw meat and break it up with a fork. Add the garlic, ginger, Chinese 5 spice, tamari/soy sauce, Thai chili sauce, and season with pepper. Stir, breaking up the meat. Add the red peppers. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.2. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, crank the heat to high. Stir in the broccoli, cilantro, and basil. Let cook on high until the the sauce thickens slightly and the broccoli is steamed. 3. Divide the rice among bowls and top with sesame seeds. Spoon the beef and sauce over the rice. Add peanuts and additional basil.
Notes
Homemade Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: Mix 1/3 cup honey, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1-2 tablespoons chili sauce, 2 teaspoons lime zest, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons tamari or soy sauce, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 1 clove grated garlic in a glass jar. Shake or stir well. Use as directed.
Coconut Rice: Combine 1 (14 ounce) can of coconut milk, 3/4 cup bone broth or water, and 2 tablespoons ghee or butter in a medium pot. Bring to a low boil. Add 2 cups of jasmine rice and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine, cover, then turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible. Allow the rice to cook for 10 minutes on low, then turn the heat off completely. Let the rice sit, covered, for another 15-20 minutes (don’t take any peeks inside!). Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
This post was originally published on September 3, 2025
I questioned the raw met in the crockpot without browning first, but it came out great!
Hey Amy,
Thanks for testing this recipe out, I’m thrilled it was a success for you. Have a nice day!
Any alternative to the 5 spice?
Hi Erica,
You could use all spice in place of the Chinese 5 spice. I hope you love this dish!
a dash of pumpkin beer works 😉
It was delicious! I added a little hot yellow curry powder for a little heat.
Hey Liz,
Wonderful! I appreciate you trying this recipe and your comment, I’m so glad it turned out well for you!
What about the grease from the meat. You leave it in with everything else?
Hi Gayle,
I didn’t find that to be an issue with this recipe. If you are worried about it, try using a leaner percentage. I hope this helps!
I cut this recipe in half since I live alone and didn’t want too many leftovers. It was delicious, easy and I will make it again.
Yay! Love to hear this, Edith! Thanks so much for making this recipe and your feedback. Happy Sunday!
Just okay, I wouldn’t make this again. I doubled the recipe and cooked for 5.5 hrs. The flavors were eh. We weren’t a fan of the ground beef, it’s a weird texture from the slow cooker and the peppers were cooked to smithereens with just skins visible. I love sooo many of your other recipes, keep them coming!
Hi Kati,
Thanks for trying this dish and your kind feedback, so sorry to hear it was not enjoyed. I hope you have a nice weekend! xx
Ignore the negative reviews! This meal is too delicious to pass on. The whole family loved it. Will make again 🙂
Thank you, Tieghan!
Love to hear it, Maryanne! Thanks a lot for making this recipe and your comment! Have the best day!
Five stars plus – my family all has different taste and this was an all around five star for all of us. When people are asking how much they are getting for leftovers – no rating needed. We scooped the basil beef and rice onto crispy Cole romaine lettuce leaves – and whoever could handle the heat added a teaspoon of Calabrian chili on top. This is being added to my regulars list. Plus so nice to do 10-15 min of work in the morning and come home to an easy dinner prep.
Yay! So glad to hear this, Michelle! Thanks for choosing to make this dish for your family:) Hope you have a great Tuesday! x
Loved this. Subbed baby spinach for broc.
Hey Ellie,
Awesome! Thanks so much for trying this recipe, I’m so glad it turned out well for you! Happy Tuesday! x
Hi Tieghan,
Thanks for another amazing recipe! I was wondering if you could advise how to prepare this recipe on a stove top. I can’t wait to make this! Thanks in advance!
Thanks so much for trying this recipe, Tahniat! The stovetop instructions are written here:
https://fett-weg.today/20-minute-thai-basil-beef-lemongrass-rice-bowls/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
Definitely won’t be making this again.
Sorry to hear this, Rhonda!
Why 1 star. Did you even make the dish?? What didn’t you like about it.
Delicious flavor, I cooked on my cooktop and it turned out perfect. I did cook the peppers and broccoli toward the end to keep them a little crunchier. Will def make this again.
Hey Dana, Happy Sunday! Thanks so much for making this recipe, so glad it turned out well for you! xx
Excellent! Wonderful flavors and so easy!!! My husband and son both devoured it!!! The only changes I will make the next time is to add more spice. I will also wait to add the red bell pepper at the end when I add the broccoli. Thank you for the great crockpot recipe!
Hey Debbie, Happy Friday! I’m so glad to hear you loved the recipe, thanks so much for making it! xT
Delicious! Had it tonight and was requested to make it again. A couple notes- I did have to add an additional cup of water to the coconut rice because it was too hard still with just the can of coconut milk and 3/4c of water. I also would wait to add the basil and cilantro until after the broccoli has cooked so it isn’t as brown and wilty. This would also be great as a filling for a lettuce wrap! Thanks Tieghan – your recipes are always a hit with my crowd when I make them!
Hey Deanne,
Thanks for making so many recipes for your family:) Love to hear this one was a hit and thanks for sharing what worked well for you! Have the best weekend! xT
Just letting you know the rice and coconut milk are missing from the ingredients list!
Thanks so much, Megan!