Easy Crockpot Taco Meat (2024)

Tacos are my family’s favorite meal. Whether it is Mexican Monday or Taco Tuesday, our family is always up for a good taco. Toss everything in the slow cooker earlier in the day and once you come home, dinner is ready to be served. Plus, the meat is so flavorful and tender from being in the crockpot all day!

While cooking the taco meat is not a hard task, sometimes you just need to be able to have dinner on the table the moment you get home. Learn how to cook slow cookertacofilling to make dinner time so easy during busy weeknights.

It is our favorite way to enjoy tacos. Check out also our Skillet Ground Beef Tacos, Easy Carne Asada Street Tacos recipe or this Fried Taco recipe.

Why We Love This Recipe

Not only does your slow cooker make family dinner time a breeze but it is also great for parties or large crowds. We love to serve delicious taco meat for parties and using the crockpot makes it so easy.

I’m not stuck in the kitchen and the slow cooker does all the work. Plus, the taco meat stays nice and warm until everyone is ready to eat. You can even reheat taco meat in the crock pot if you have leftovers.

Crock Pot Taco meat truly is perfect for any parties you might have. We love this recipe, because you just dump everything in the crock pot and walk away. Try one of these other 63 Dump and Go Slow Cooker Recipes.

Ingredients

• Lean Ground Beef – You can also use Ground Turkey or a mixture of both.
• Salsa – We like using chunky salsa but any type of salsa will do. We have even used our Homemade Salsa Recipe.
• Taco Seasoning – I use homemade taco seasoning or you can use the packet.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Taco Meat in the Slow Cooker

• Step 1 – Place the ground meat in the slow cooker.
• Step 2 – Pour the salsa on top and sprinkle with the taco seasoning mix. (We use homemade taco seasoning.)

• Step 3 – Cover and cook for 3 -4 hours on high until no longer pink. Use a spoon to break up the taco meat in the slow cooker and serve.

Recipe Tips

• Breaking up Beef – I like to break up the taco meat and stir 30 minutes before serving while it is slow cooking.
• Browning Meat – There is no need to brown the meat prior to putting it in the slow cooker.
• Drain Meat – Depending on the type of meat that you use, you may need to drain the meat after cooking in the slow cooker.
• Stovetop – If you prefer you can also make taco meat on the stovetop and add in salsa and the taco seasoning.

Toppings for Taco Meat

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Onion
• Diced tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Salsa
• Avocado

You can also add rice to your tacos. It is so tasty and a great way to stretch your meat as well. Everyone loves rice and it is such a tasty way to make your meat go further.

How to Use Leftover Taco Meat?

We love leftover taco meat. I will intentionally double the batch that I am making so that we can have leftovers for the upcoming meat.

• You can make Burritos
• We love making Crockpot Taco Salad Recipe
• Serve on top of homemade arepas
• Make homemade Taco Bowl Recipe. I like to add Black Beans in the Crockpot to add to my taco bowl.
• Check out these other ways to use up the leftover taco meat. Such as this Crock Pot Taco Casserole Recipe

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tacos

We have the best Crockpot Chicken Tacos Recipe with only 3 ingredients needed! This is a nice change from ground beef if you want to try something different some weeks.

This is one my favorite ways to cook chicken. With only 3 ingredients I can make easy Crockpot Chicken Tacos.

Do you have a Good Crock Pot?

Now you definitely need a crock pot for this recipe. I used a 6 quart crock pot for this recipe. I recommend a programmable crock pot so that the crock pot will switch to the keep warm setting after the cook time.

They are awesome and you can find some that are very affordable. Check out these Best Slow Cookers of 2024 if you are in the market for a new one.

What to Serve with Tacos

Tacos are a staple meal that we have just about every week. These are some easy side dish that complete our meal.

• Easy Spanish Rice Recipe
• Easy Crockpot Refried Beans Recipe
• The Best Crock Pot White Cheese Dip Recipe
• Easy Sopapilla Recipe
• Queso Fundido con Chorizo and tortilla chips
• Check out What to Serve with Tacos for more side dish ideas.

Can You Put Raw Ground Beef in Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can put raw ground beef in crock pot. You may need to adjust cooking time, but this is a great way to meal prep taco meat for the week.

How to Store Leftover Taco Meat

If you have taco meat leftover, you can place it in the refrigerator. I love having taco meat available for my kids to grab a quick taco as they are heading out the door. It is so much better for them and I know they are eating something that will last them for awhile.

Can I Freeze Cooked Taco Meat?

Taco meat is also great to store in the freezer. I like to place in a zip lock freezer bag. I make sure all the air is out and then I place it in the freezer. It is good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure you check out all our Leftover Taco Meat Recipes or 10 Easy Crockpot Freezer Meals in an Hour!

Can I Frozen Ground Beef?

You could use frozen ground beef but you will need to cook on high for 5-6 hours.