Slow Cooker Taco Meat (using Ground Beef) (2024)

Are you craving delicious and flavorful taco meat without the hassle of constant stovetop monitoring? Look no further than this easy Slow Cooker Taco Meat Using Ground Beef! With just three simple ingredients – ground beef, taco seasoning, and salsa – you can create tender and perfectly seasoned taco meat that’s ready to be used in all your favorite Mexican dishes!

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Taco meat is a savory filling typically made with ground beef. It can also be prepared with other meats like ground turkey or chicken! It’s seasoned with a blend of spices which includes ingredients like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. The meat is cooked and crumbled, resulting in a versatile mixture that is used in various Mexican-inspired dishes. It’s a go-to ingredient for many meals!

Traditionally, taco meat is prepared on the stovetop, where ground beef is browned and seasoned with taco seasoning. However, one of the best ways to make taco meat is by utilizing the slow cooker! The crock pot allows the meat to simmer gently over an extended period, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The long, slow cooking time also allows the flavors to meld together, intensifying the taste of the spices.

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Using a slow cooker eliminates the need for constant monitoring, making it a convenient option for busy home chefs! Its bold and savory flavors make it perfect for traditional tacos. Layer it with toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream. It also shines in burritos or burrito bowls, where it can be combined with rice, beans, and other fillings. You can spoon it over nachos for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or stuffed into quesadillas for a cheesy and satisfying meal. It can even be added to salads, or baked into casseroles for a flavorful twist. The possibilities are truly endless!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for slow cooker taco meat guarantees tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned beef every time without any guesswork!
With just three simple ingredients – ground beef, taco seasoning, and salsa – you have a versatile filling that can be used in a variety of Mexican dishes.
The slow cooker method ensures that the meat is cooked to perfection and allows the flavors to meld together.
Slow cooker taco meat is made with homemade taco seasoning that adds depth of flavor that is easily customizable.Use it for my taco recipe for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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Ground Beef (or Turkey) – The star of the show, ground beef or turkey, serves as the protein base for the taco meat, adding richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Homemade Taco Seasoning – This simple blend of spices provides the signature taco flavor, infusing the meat with a combination of savory and spicy notes.
Salsa – Not only adds a tangy and zesty element to the taco meat but also adds moisture and helps to tenderize the meat during the slow cooking process. It brings a burst of freshness and complexity to the dish, elevating the overall taste.

How To Make Taco Meat In The Slow Cooker

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Arrange the ingredients: To the bottom of the slow cooker, add the ground beef, taco seasoning, and salsa.

Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.

Break up and serve: Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces and stir with the salsa and seasoning. Spoon into your favorite Mexican dishes. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

For extra flavor, brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker. This step adds depth and richness to the meat.
If you want a chunkier texture, opt for chunky salsa instead of smooth. The small vegetable chunks in the salsa will add a pleasant bite to the taco meat.
To ensure well-seasoned meat, you can evenly distribute the taco seasoning by mixing it with the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
If you prefer a thicker consistency for your taco meat, drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker after cooking.
Double the recipe and freeze the extra taco meat in individual portions for convenient future meals.

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Variations

Experiment with different types of salsa, such as verde salsa or mango salsa, to infuse the taco meat with unique and delicious flavor profiles.
Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier option, as it reduces the amount of fat in the finished dish.
If you prefer spicier taco meat, adjust the heat level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the homemade taco seasoning.
Customize the taco meat to your taste preferences by adding additional ingredients such as diced onions, minced garlic, or chopped bell peppers to the slow cooker.
Enhance the smokiness of the taco meat by stirring in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
Add a can of diced green chilies or jalapeños to the slow cooker for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Cooked and cooled taco meat can be stored it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet until warmed through.

Freezing: To freeze taco meat, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Ensure you remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen taco meat in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or using it in your favorite recipes.

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FAQ

Can you put raw ground beef in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw ground beef in the slow cooker. However, you can brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor of the meat.

Will taco meat dry out in the crockpot?

Taco meat cooked in a crockpot can sometimes become dry if overcooked or if there isn’t enough moisture in the recipe. To prevent dryness, ensure there is enough liquid, such as salsa or broth.

How long to cook ground beef in a crockpot?

Ground beef generally takes about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high to cook in a crockpot. However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the specific recipe, the size of the slow cooker, and the desired level of tenderness. Check for doneness by ensuring the ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving.

More Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes

Mexican Lasagna
Mexican Lime Grilled Chicken
Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn
Ground Turkey Tostadas