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Crockpot Taco Meat Recipe

4.7 from 69 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 35 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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