Crockpot Taco Meat (Printer-Friendly)

Ground beef slow-cooked with salsa, onions, and spices for a flavorful, versatile Mexican-style filling.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meat

01 - 1.9 pounds lean ground beef (85/15)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 3 to 5 garlic cloves, minced

→ Condiments and Seasonings

04 - 1 cup medium chunky jarred salsa
05 - 1 ½ taco seasoning packets (approximately 3 tablespoons), or 4–5 tablespoons homemade blend

→ Serving Suggestions

06 - Crunchy taco shells
07 - Shredded lettuce
08 - Diced tomatoes
09 - Diced jalapeños
10 - Sliced red onions
11 - Chopped cilantro
12 - Shredded cheddar cheese
13 - Sour cream

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
02 - Place raw ground beef into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the diced onions and minced garlic evenly over the meat. Pour in the salsa and sprinkle the taco seasoning on top.
03 - Cover and cook on LOW heat for 6 hours or on HIGH heat for 3 hours. Stir halfway through cooking, breaking up the meat to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
04 - Once cooked through, stir the meat mixture until well combined. Drain excess liquid if desired. Serve hot in taco shells, burrito bowls, nachos, or salads with preferred toppings.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - For a saucier filling, add ¼ to ½ cup water during cooking and allow to simmer until thickened.
02 - Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3–4 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
03 - Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef for a lighter variation.
04 - Use medium chunky salsa to enhance texture and flavor.