Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Crockpot Taco Meat Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 89 reviews

This Crockpot Taco Meat recipe offers a flavorful, easy-to-make ground beef filling perfect for tacos, salads, or bowls. By browning the beef first to enhance flavor and then slow cooking it with a blend of spices and mild salsa, the meat becomes tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Oil

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef (93/7)

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons ground chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder

Other Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups mild salsa

Instructions

  1. Brown Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the 2 pounds of lean ground beef in a single layer and allow it to sear on each side before breaking it into smaller pieces. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, stirring only occasionally to allow proper browning, which enhances flavor. If necessary, drain excess grease from the pan.
  2. Add Seasonings: Stir in all the spices and seasonings—2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder—into the browned beef. Cook the mixture for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then remove the pan from heat.
  3. Slow Cook: Transfer the seasoned beef to a crockpot or slow cooker. Add 1½ cups of mild salsa and stir well to combine. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours, ensuring the meat becomes tender and fully infused with the salsa and spices. Avoid cooking on HIGH to prevent drying out the meat.
  4. Serve: After cooking, gently stir the meat and break up any large chunks further if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning to preference. Serve the taco meat as a filling for tacos, over salads, rice bowls, or any favorite dish.

Notes

  • For extra heat, substitute mild salsa with medium or hot salsa.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
  • Drain grease thoroughly after browning to reduce fat content.
  • Leftover meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • To reduce sodium, use low-sodium salsa and adjust added salt accordingly.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/crockpot-taco-meat-recipe/