Crockpot Taco Meat

Crockpot Taco Meat is a fantastic go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, including tender ground beef and zesty spices, this dish simmers away in your crockpot, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or simply preparing a hearty meal for your family, this recipe hits the mark every time.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: Approximately 320
• Protein: 24 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Fat: 16 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Sodium: 550 mg

Why Make This Crockpot Taco Meat

Crockpot Taco Meat is not just delicious; it’s incredibly convenient. The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in tenderness and richness. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as you can make a large batch and use it in various ways throughout the week. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that caters to everyone’s taste buds!

How to Make Crockpot Taco Meat

Making this scrumptious Crockpot Taco Meat is as easy as following a few simple steps. Gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and let it do the work while you go about your day.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a crockpot, combine the ground beef, taco seasoning, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and beef broth.

Step 2: Mixing

Stir everything together until well mixed to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cooking

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Finishing

Once cooked, shred the beef as needed with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it in taco shells or over rice, adding your favorite optional toppings as desired.

How to Serve Crockpot Taco Meat

Crockpot Taco Meat is versatile and can be served in many ways. Load it into crunchy taco shells for a classic taco night or spoon it over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. Pair it with fresh toppings like shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, tangy salsa, and creamy sour cream to elevate the dish further. It also works wonderfully in burritos, taco salads, or even as a filling for quesadillas.

How to Store Crockpot Taco Meat

To store your leftovers, let the taco meat cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Taco Meat

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce the overall fat content in the dish.
• For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onions before adding them to the crockpot.
• Spice it up by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
• If you want to cut carbs, you can substitute the black beans with mushrooms or diced zucchini.

Delicious Variations

• Chicken Taco Meat: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken thighs or breasts.
• Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or a mix of black beans and kidney beans for a meatless option.
• Spicy Taco Meat: Add extra spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicier kick.
• Taco Bowls: Serve the meat over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthy alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen ground beef?
  Yes, you can add frozen ground beef directly to the crockpot, but ensure it thaws and fully cooks. Extend the cooking time slightly if using frozen meat.

• What toppings go best with taco meat?
  Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, and shredded cheese. Feel free to get creative!

• Can I make this taco meat ahead of time?
  Absolutely! This is a great recipe for meal prep. Just cook and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, then reheat as needed.

• How do I prevent the meat from becoming dry?
  Keep the crockpot covered during cooking to retain moisture, and avoid overcooking.

• Can I add more vegetables?
  Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn to enhance the nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Crockpot Taco Meat is an easy and delicious recipe that brings comfort to your family meals. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking routine. Try it out, and don’t hesitate to make it your own with different toppings and variations. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Taco Meat

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 375 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A flavorful and satisfying taco meat recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, simmered to perfection in your crockpot.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream

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Instructions

1. In a crockpot, combine the ground beef, taco seasoning, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and beef broth.
2. Stir everything together until well mixed to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.
4. Once cooked, shred the beef as needed with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it in taco shells or over rice, adding your favorite optional toppings as desired.

Notes

Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content. You can use frozen ground beef, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg