Crockpot Taco Meat is just the recipe for a taco Tuesday at home or making dinner for a crowd. Full of flavor, tender and always a family favorite.
If you enjoy slow cooker cooking be sure to try Crockpot Chicken Fajitas and Crockpot Chicken Tacos.
This slow cooker ground beef recipe can be used for so many different meals. Tacos, nachos, salads, stuffed peppers and so much more. 3 ingredients is all you need for a freezer friendly meal. Make extra to freeze for another nights meal.
Why make taco meat in the slow cooker?
You might be wondering why should I make taco meat in the crockpot when it doesn’t take much time to cook on the stove? Here are a few reasons:
- Flavor – The meat takes on incredible flavor since it is slow cooking in the seasonings.
- Tender – Slow cooking makes incredibly tender beef.
- Quantity – If you are cooking for a large group, this is a great way to cook all at once instead of in multiple batches. It’s also great to keep the meat warm for a taco bar.
Ingredients needed
Ground Beef – I prefer using lean ground beef so avoid having a lot of grease. Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken.
Taco Seasoning – Use a packet of seasoning or a homemade blend.
Salsa – Use your favorite jarred or fresh salsa.
How to make taco beef in the crockpot
Scroll down for full printable recipe, ingredients and video.
- Combine: Add beef, salsa and seasoning to slow cooker.
- Cook: Set to high and cook for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. Make sure meat is cooked through.
- Serve: Break up meat with a spoon and serve. (Break up meat about 30-45 minutes before serving.)
Can you put raw ground beef in slow cooker?
Yes! Add the beef directly into the slow cooker. I would recommend not cooking meat from frozen. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Do you need to brown meat first?
The answer is Yes and No. For this recipe, I did not brown the beef first and it was delicious. I have made it browning in the skillet briefly first and it does add a nice texture to the meat.
If you are in a hurry I would say don’t worry about browning but if you have the time, give it a quick cook in the skillet.
Variations
Can I use different meat? Yes! This also works well with ground turkey and ground chicken.
Vegetables? Feel free to add vegetables. Make sure to chop them up small. I like to sometimes add diced red bell pepper or riced cauliflower.
Taco Toppings
I love making a taco bar for dinner. Everyone can choose there own toppings to “decorate” their meal. Here are a few ideas for taco toppings:
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Diced onions
- Salsa
- Rice or beans
- Lettuce
- Sliced black olives
- Pico de Gallo
How to store and freeze
Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Cook beef and let completely cool. Place in a freezer safe container or bag. Make sure to squeeze all of the excess air out of freezer bag. This can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Make sure meat is thawed and reheat in the slow cooker or in a skillet on the stove over medium heat.
More easy crockpot recipes
- Sweet and Sour Kielbasa – Flavorful kielbasa with peppers and sauce.
- Chicken and Noodles – Tender chicken cooked in a sauce with pasta.
- Hawaiian Chicken – Shredded chicken and pineapple bits. Great served on rice.
- Chicken and Rice – Chicken and yellow rice makes a family favorite meal.
- Chicken Cheesy Spaghetti – A creamy pasta dish with chicken and cheese.
- Mississippi Chicken – We love this dinner packed with all kinds of flavor. Ranch spices with chicken and banana peppers.
***If you made this recipe please feel free to leave a comment and rating below.
Slow Cooker Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 16 oz jar salsa
- 1 package taco seasoning
Instructions
- Place ground beef, spices and salsa in slow cooker. Place lid on and turn to high heat or 3-4 hours.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, break up the meat with a spoon.
Cherise Kachelmuss
I love that you don’t have to brown first but I probably would out of habit! Great for parties though!
Rosemary
Can never go wrong with tacos for sure. Great tip to make the meat in a crockpot. The flavors must be divine. Love this recipe.
Shannon Gurnee
I love making chicken in the crockpot for tacos. This looks like a yummy recipe.
Helena
Reads like an easy, healthy and tasty way to make tacos!
Marysa
This sounds like a convenient way to prep tacos. I haven’t been using my crockpot much, and this sounds like a perfect recipe to try.
Jaime
I love using the crock pot. This is a great idea for tacos. Yum!
Liz
This seems so delicious and easy! I really need to invest in a crockpot.
Sarah Bailey
I have to admit I do love a good taco – I wouldn’t have thought of using a crockpot to make the meat though – I should try it!
Kathy
That looks amazing! I’ve never tried making it before in the crockpot. What a great idea. I’m going to have to give this recipe a try real soon. We sure do love tacos.
Beth
What a great idea to prepare the taco filling in the crockpot! It looks delicious!
Lori Bosworth
I love tacos! I never thought to make the meat in my slow cooker. I’m definitely going to try this!
Tasheena
This looks really yummy. I love that this recipe is made in a crockpot.
jerry godinho
i love tacos and mexican food but never thought about doing it in a crock pot. I love your vivid details, i love your exact menus and i just love everything about your blog keep up the amazing work
Amber Myers
Oh yum, this looks good. I’ll try this out the next time we make tacos.
Brenda
Hi it’s Brenda from RubyHemMinistries.com We make tacos all the time so I’ll have to keep this recipe to give it a try.
Jennifer Van Haitsma
I’ve never made it in the crockpot but that sounds amazing! I haven’t had a taco in ages. Now I need to put the ingredients on my next grocery list 🙂
Crystal Carder
We love taco night in my household! I love how you make it in the crock pot too, no cooking on hot days.
melissa chapman
That taco meat is sure to please a crowd or just the family. I rarely use a crock pot or slow cooker but this sounds like a great way to cook the meat.
cait
were huge fan os taco meat but i never thought to make it in a crockpot. ill have to do this sometime!
GiGi Eats
I bet this meat tastes MAGICAL!!!! I need to try it in a crockpot, STAT!