Crockpot Taco Meat Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Taco Meat recipe makes a flavorful and easy filling for tacos, burritos, or nachos. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have perfectly seasoned beef ready in a couple of hours.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (lean)
- 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 cups salsa (fresh or jarred)
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the ground beef to the crockpot bowl.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the meat.
- Step 3: Pour the salsa over the top of the seasoned beef.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes to break up the meat and ensure even cooking.
- Step 5: Drain excess liquid if desired. Turn the crockpot to low to keep warm for up to 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or garlic before cooking.
- Freeze leftover cooked taco meat in portions for quick meals later.
- If you prefer spicier meat, use a hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Storage
Store cooked taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meat for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
Is it necessary to stir the meat while cooking?
Yes, stirring every 30 minutes helps break up the beef for even cooking and prevents clumping.
PrintCrockpot Taco Meat Recipe
This easy Crockpot Taco Meat recipe is perfect for busy days, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep. Lean ground beef is seasoned with taco spices and combined with salsa, then slow-cooked to tender perfection in your crockpot. It’s ideal for filling tacos, burritos, salads, or nachos and yields a flavorful, juicy meat base that keeps warm for convenient serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
Other
- 2 cups salsa (fresh or jarred)
Instructions
- Add Ground Beef: Place the 2 pounds of lean ground beef into the crockpot bowl, breaking it up slightly for even cooking.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of taco seasoning evenly over the ground beef to infuse it with classic taco flavors.
- Add Salsa: Pour 2 cups of your choice of salsa over the seasoned meat to add moisture and additional flavor.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on the high setting for 2 hours. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to break up the meat and ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Drain and Keep Warm: After cooking, drain excess liquid if desired, then switch the crockpot to low to keep the taco meat warm for up to 2 additional hours until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease.
- Stirring every 30 minutes is important to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
- Drain excess liquid after cooking if you prefer a drier meat texture for tacos.
- This recipe yields about 16 servings for taco filling, making it great for parties or meal prep.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Keywords: crockpot taco meat, slow cooker tacos, easy taco meat, ground beef taco filling, taco seasoning, crockpot recipes, Mexican ground beef
