Crockpot Taco Meat Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Taco Meat recipe is an effortless way to prepare flavorful and tender taco filling. With just a few simple ingredients and the slow cooker doing the work, you’ll have delicious taco meat ready for your favorite Mexican dishes.

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, chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the raw ground beef directly into your slow cooker. Sprinkle the diced onion and minced garlic over the meat. Pour in the salsa and sprinkle the taco seasoning on top.
2. Step 2: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. About halfway through, give the meat a good stir using a wooden spoon, breaking up any large chunks, and check that nothing is sticking to the sides.
3. Step 3: Once fully cooked, stir the meat mixture until well combined. If there is excess liquid, you can drain it off before serving.
4. Step 4: Serve the taco meat in crunchy taco shells, burrito bowls, nachos, or salads with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, brown the ground beef briefly in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker, though this step is optional.
• Customize the heat level by using mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning depending on your preference.
• Add black beans or corn during the last hour of cooking for added texture and nutrition.

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 microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked 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 ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Cooking times remain the same, but check for doneness to ensure the poultry is fully cooked.

Do I need to drain the fat from the meat after cooking?

This recipe uses lean ground beef, which reduces excess fat. However, if you notice a lot of liquid or fat after cooking, you may drain it to prevent sogginess in your tacos.

Crockpot Taco Meat Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 134 reviews

This Crockpot Taco Meat recipe offers a simple, hands-off way to prepare flavorful taco filling using lean ground beef, onions, garlic, salsa, and mild taco seasoning. Cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, the meat becomes tender and infused with spices, making it perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or salads. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish allows you to set it and forget it while creating a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 6 hrs (Low) or 3 hrs (High)
• Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins (Low) or 3 hrs 10 mins (High)
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

Serving Suggestions

• Crunchy taco shells
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced jalapenos
• Red onions, sliced
• Chopped cilantro
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Add the raw ground beef directly into your slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle the diced onions and minced garlic on top, then pour in the salsa and the mild taco seasoning packets.
2. Cook the Meat: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 6 hours or on HIGH heat for 3 hours. Around the halfway mark, stir the mixture with a wooden spoon to break up the meat and prevent sticking.
3. Finish Cooking and Mix: Once fully cooked, stir all ingredients together thoroughly to combine the flavors. If you notice excess liquid, carefully drain it off to avoid sogginess.
4. Serve: Use the taco meat as a filling for crunchy taco shells, burrito bowls, nachos, or salads. Add your preferred toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, cheese, and sour cream.

Notes

• Using lean ground beef helps reduce the fat content of the taco meat.
• Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference; 3 cloves provide a milder flavor, while 5 add more punch.
• If you prefer spicier taco meat, opt for a medium or hot taco seasoning packet.
• Stirring the meat halfway during cooking prevents clumping and ensures even cooking throughout.
• Drain any excess liquid after cooking to avoid watery taco filling.
• This recipe easily doubles for larger gatherings.
• Leftover taco meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Crockpot taco meat, slow cooker taco filling, easy taco recipe, ground beef tacos, Mexican slow cooker recipes