Crockpot Taco Meat (Printer-Friendly)

Slow-cooked beef with onions, garlic, salsa, and taco seasoning for easy, flavorful meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat

01 - 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (85% lean, 15% fat)

→ Vegetables

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

→ Condiments & Seasonings

04 - 1 cup medium chunk red salsa
05 - 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1.5 packets store-bought)

→ Optional Garnishes

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 - Place the ground beef directly into the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle diced onion and minced garlic over the meat. Pour in salsa and taco seasoning.
02 - Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. Halfway through cooking, stir and break up the meat with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking.
03 - After cooking, stir the mixture thoroughly. If excess liquid remains, drain before serving.
04 - Scoop the meat into taco shells, burritos, bowls, or nachos and top with your preferred garnishes.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For a saucier texture, stir in 0.25 to 0.5 cups of water during cooking and allow to simmer until thickened.
02 - Slow cooker models vary; check halfway and adjust stirring or cooking time as needed.
03 - Allow leftovers to cool before refrigerating in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
04 - Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.