Crockpot Taco Meat Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Taco Meat recipe is an easy and flavorful way to prepare taco filling with minimal effort. Using your slow cooker, you can have perfectly seasoned, tender ground beef ready for tacos, burritos, or nachos without fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 ½ (1 oz each) packets mild taco seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the raw ground beef directly into your slow cooker. Sprinkle the diced onions and minced garlic on top, then pour in the salsa and taco seasoning.
- Step 2: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. About halfway through, stir the mixture, break up the meat with a wooden spoon, and check that nothing is sticking to the bottom.
- Step 3: When the meat is fully cooked, stir everything together to combine well. If there is any excess liquid, drain it off before serving.
- Step 4: Serve the taco meat in crunchy taco shells or use it to top burrito bowls, nachos, salads, or your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of beef broth or a teaspoon of cumin before cooking.
- Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
- Use homemade salsa or your favorite store-bought brand for different taste profiles.
Storage
Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze cooked taco meat for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen ground beef in this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed ground beef in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and safe temperatures. Using frozen meat may result in uneven cooking.
Do I need to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, this recipe works well by adding the raw ground beef directly to the crockpot. The slow cooking process safely cooks the meat while blending flavors.
PrintCrockpot Taco Meat Recipe
This Crockpot Taco Meat recipe offers a convenient and flavorful way to prepare ground beef for your taco night. By using a slow cooker, the beef simmers slowly with onions, garlic, salsa, and taco seasoning, resulting in tender, juicy meat that’s perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, and more. This easy-to-make recipe frees you from standing over the stove, making it ideal for busy days or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 ½ (1 oz) packets mild taco seasoning
Serving Suggestions
- Crunchy taco shells
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced jalapeños
- Red onions, diced
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the diced onions and minced garlic evenly over the beef. Pour in the salsa and sprinkle the mild taco seasoning packets on top.
- Cook the Meat: Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on LOW heat for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. About halfway through the cooking time, uncover and stir the mixture with a wooden spoon to break up the meat and ensure even cooking. Check that nothing is sticking to the bottom.
- Finish and Drain: Once the beef is fully cooked and tender, stir everything together thoroughly to mix the flavors. If there is excess liquid, carefully drain it off to avoid sogginess.
- Serve: Use the taco meat as a filling for crunchy taco shells or burrito bowls. It’s also great atop nachos, in salads, or however you like to enjoy your tacos.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your personal taste.
- For spicier meat, use a medium or hot taco seasoning packet.
- Feel free to substitute salsa with your favorite homemade salsa or pico de gallo.
- Leftover taco meat stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- You can add a little water or beef broth if you prefer a more moist texture.
Keywords: crockpot taco meat, slow cooker taco meat, easy taco meat recipe, ground beef tacos, slow cooker dinner
