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–+ servings
Crockpot taco meat in an oval black slow cooker and topped with diced onion and shredded cheese with a silver serving spoon.

Crockpot Taco Meat

This crockpot taco meat is an easy, family-friendly dinner made with lean ground beef and a taco seasoning packet. With just 5 simple ingredients and no browning required, it’s flavorful, juicy, and perfect for busy nights.
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Author Kori
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Course Slow Cooker Beef Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 225 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion frozen or fresh
  • 1½ to 2 packets taco seasoning mix (adjust as needed after cooking)
  • ½ cup salsa
  • Optional: water as needed (add later only if needed)

Instructions
 

  • Add the onion to the bottom of the pot. Add ground beef breaking up the meat until crumbly. Add taco seasoning, salsa, and onion to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
    Adding in the ground beef to the slow cooker for crockpot taco meat, then topping with the remaining ingredients.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Break up the meat once or twice again while cooking until crumbly.
    Placing the cover on the slow cooker to cook the crockpot taco meat until it is done, then mixing all ingredients together.
  • Add a splash of water only if needed, adjust seasoning to tatse, stir, and serve.

Notes

For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, slow cooking tips, and other delicious recipe ideas, check out my post above.
CROCKPOT COOKING TIPS: Every slow cooker heats a little differently, so cooking times can vary. Once you know how your crock pot runs (hotter or cooler), you can adjust as needed. For meats and proteins, always use a thermometer to check doneness — the internal temperature is the most accurate way to know when it’s ready.
TIPS: No need to brown the beef first—the crockpot cooks it through. Stirring once or twice helps create that classic crumbly taco texture. Hold off on adding water unless it actually needs it.
VARIATIONS: Swap salsa for diced tomatoes with green chiles, Adjust heat with mild or hot versions of the taco seasoning and salsa. 
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Use in tacos, burritos, nachos, or taco bowls. It freezes well for quick future meals.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 33gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 270mgPotassium: 618mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 136IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 4mg
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