Crockpot Taco Meat
Crockpot Taco Meat is one of those no-fuss, reliable meals that comes together with barely any hands-on time and feeds a hungry group with ease.
Ground beef, taco seasoning, a kick of hot sauce, and a can of tomatoes with green chilies slow cook until perfectly tender and flavorful.
Whether you’re serving tacos for a crowd or just want dinner to take care of itself, this is the kind of recipe that does the heavy lifting for you.
Crockpot Taco Meat Recipe Highlights
- Set It and Forget It Slow Cooker Method
- Just 4 ingredients and no browning required
- Stays juicy for hours in the slow cooker
- Perfect for tacos, nachos, or burrito bowls
- Easy to double for meal prep or leftovers
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
GROUND BEEF – I use lean ground beef to cut down on excess grease, which makes cleanup easier and the meat easier to work with after cooking. You can use any fat percentage, but higher-fat versions will need to be drained.
TACO SEASONING – I use a classic taco seasoning blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika to give the meat bold flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade.
HOT SAUCE – I add hot sauce to give the meat a mild kick, but you can use more or less depending on your preference. It’s also fine to leave it out completely for a milder dish.
TOMATOES AND GREEN CHILIES – I use a can of Rotel to add moisture and a subtle heat. If you don’t have Rotel, salsa works as a swap and adds its own texture and seasoning.
How To Make Crockpot Taco Meat
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Add ground beef to the slow cooker.
- Top with seasoning, hot sauce, and undrained Rotel.
- Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours.
- Crumble, drain, and serve.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Let the Crockpot Taco Meat cool for 15 to 20 minutes, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days and reheats easily for quick meals.
FREEZE – Freeze in portioned freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out the extra air to avoid freezer burn. It’s best used within three months for the best flavor and texture.
REHEAT – Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture. The microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.
MAKE AHEAD – Cook the Crockpot Taco Meat fully, let it cool, and store it in the fridge or freezer. This is especially helpful if you’re planning a taco bar or prepping for busy weekdays.
More Easy and Delicious Ground Beef Recipes
Serving Suggestions
TACO BAR – Offer tortillas, cheese, shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado, and salsa so everyone can build their own tacos.
BURRITO BOWLS – Serve over rice or quinoa with black beans, corn, and fresh toppings like pico de gallo.
NACHOS – Spoon the warm meat over tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for a few minutes. Add your favorite toppings before serving.
STUFFED PEPPERS – Fill halved bell peppers with the Crockpot Taco Meat, top with cheese, and bake until tender.
QUESADILLAS – Fold into tortillas with cheese and pan-fry until golden and crispy on both sides.
Recipe Success Tips
DO NOT STIR – Let the beef cook undisturbed so it browns evenly. Stirring early can lead to steaming instead of slow cooking.
USE A WOODEN SPOON – It makes breaking up the cooked beef easier, especially if you want a fine, even texture.
DRAIN IF NEEDED – If you use higher-fat beef, draining the extra liquid helps avoid a greasy texture.
KEEP IT WARM – Switch to the warm setting once it’s done. You can hold the taco meat that way for up to 2 hours without drying it out.
DOUBLE BATCH STRATEGY – Make a full double batch and freeze the extra for later. It’s a smart way to save time when planning meals ahead.
Expert Tip
If you’re serving this for a party, use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. To keep the meat juicy while on the warm setting, stir in a couple spoonfuls of the reserved liquid before serving.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef?
No, frozen ground beef should not be added directly to the slow cooker. Thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before using.
Is This Good For Meal Prep?
Yes, this Crockpot Taco Meat reheats well and stays flavorful for days. It’s great for prepping lunches or dinner components in advance.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?
Yes, ground turkey works just as well. It will have a lighter flavor and might release more moisture, so be sure to drain before serving.
Can I Cook It On High Instead Of Low?
Yes, you can cook the taco meat on high for 3 to 4 hours. Just make sure the beef is cooked through before crumbling and serving.
More Easy and Delicious Beef Crockpot Recipes
Crockpot Taco Meat
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef lean
- ¼ cup taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce or more to taste
- 1 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
Instructions
- Add the ground beef to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the seasoning and hot sauce over the top of the ground beef. Pour the undrained can of tomatoes and chilies over the top of the ground beef.
- Set the slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours until the beef is cooked through.
- Make sure that the beef is browned and cooked through before serving.
- When the meat is cooked through, crumble it with a wooden spoon or spatula, drain any excess liquid from the meat, and serve.
Equipment
Notes
Slow Cooker Times
ON LOW – 6 to 7 hoursON HIGH – 3 to 4 hours
Slow cooker times may vary.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.