This Crockpot Taco Meat is so easy to make! Just throw in ground beef, taco seasoning, and a bit of tomato sauce. Soon, your home will smell amazing!
You’ll love how tender and flavorful this meat gets. I like it with soft tortillas or over nachos—either way, it’s a hit at our dinner table! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using 80/20 (meat to fat) blend for the best flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for lighter options, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes, though they might be a bit leaner.
Diced Tomatoes: The canned diced tomatoes with green chilies add a nice kick! You can swap them with plain diced tomatoes or use fresh tomatoes if you have them. Just chop them up and add some chili powder for heat.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is convenient. If you want to avoid preservatives, you can easily make your own using cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Onion and Garlic: These are optional but add excellent flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can stand in for fresh garlic, and onion powder can replace fresh onions.
How Do You Ensure Your Taco Meat Is Full of Flavor?
Flavoring your taco meat is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by browning the beef well. This step develops a nice color and deep flavor.
- Don’t skip the seasoning! Mix it in well with the cooked beef before adding to the crockpot.
- Let the mixture cook longer if you can! It allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- If you prefer a touch of heat, add diced jalapeños or a few shakes of hot sauce.
Feel free to adjust based on your taste. The more you experiment, the more you’ll love your own version of this dish!
How to Make Crockpot Taco Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth (optional, for moisture)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Taco Meat takes about 10 minutes to prepare, with a cooking time of 5-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day where you can set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep the meat nice and lean.
2. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Transfer the browned beef into your crockpot. Add the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, chopped onion, and minced garlic (if you’re using them). If you want a bit more moisture, pour in the water or beef broth. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything is mixed well.
3. Setting the Crockpot:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Depending on your schedule, set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. If you can, stir occasionally to get those flavors mixing even more!
4. Final Touches:
Once the cooking time is up, check the taco meat. You might want to add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. It’s ready to serve!
5. Enjoying Your Taco Meat:
This perfectly seasoned taco meat is fantastic for tacos, burritos, nachos, or even just served over rice. Get creative with your toppings—cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and avocado are always great options!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy-to-make Crockpot Taco Meat!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative, but keep in mind that they can be a bit dryer. Consider adding a splash more broth or sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze Leftover Taco Meat?
Yes, you can freeze leftover taco meat! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own taco seasoning using equal parts cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. A pinch of salt and pepper will finish it up nicely!
How Should I Serve This Taco Meat?
This taco meat is incredibly versatile! Serve it in soft or crunchy taco shells, on nachos, over rice, or in burritos. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sour cream for extra flavor!