Simmering all day gives this Crockpot Taco Meat an incredible texture, making the best crockpot beef tacos. This is a super simple and utterly delicious meal, a real crowd-pleaser!
What’s in This Crockpot Taco Meat Recipe?
These crockpot beef tacos will quickly become a family favorite. The crockpot taco meat is seasoned with homemade taco seasoning for a fresh flavor. Plus, it makes so much you’ll have enough meat for a few nights!
- Ground Beef: We like ground chuck, but 80-85% lean ground beef also works well.
- Taco Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce, or make your own homemade taco sauce.
- Taco Seasoning: Use our homemade taco seasoning recipe for the freshest flavor, or use store-bought to save time.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavor. This is totally optional.
Variations on Crockpot Beef Tacos
You can make this recipe using ground turkey for a lower-fat meal and it still tastes awesome! Ground chicken would work as well.
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How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover crockpot taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
How to Freeze
You can freeze this crockpot taco meat (make sure to let it cool completely in the fridge first!) in 1-pound portions in Ziplock bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
To make tacos, you’ll need taco shells, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, diced onion, chopped cilantro, and whatever else you love as taco toppings. We like to top our crockpot beef tacos with guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. Set up a taco bar and get creative!
Notes from the Test Kitchen
This crockpot taco meat comes out very tender but can be a touch drier, so you can stir in a little taco sauce or picante sauce before serving. If you want, you can add the beef to a skillet and give it a quick brown.
5-Star Review
“I love this recipe! I have made it twice and love the ease of throwing the meat, seasonings, and salsa in and walking away. The meat comes out nice and moist, not dried out as it can be on the stovetop. It’s delicious and I probably won’t make taco meat any other way from now on!” -Jenn
Crockpot Taco Meat for Beef Tacos
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Ingredients
- 4 pounds ground chuck
- ¼ cup water
- 16 ounces taco sauce (click for recipe!)
- 6 tablespoons taco seasoning (click for recipe!)
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar optional
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a crockpot set on high heat. Break the ground chuck apart and mix well. Cook for 4 hours, covered, stirring occasionally.4 pounds ground chuck, ¼ cup water, 16 ounces taco sauce, 6 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- Spoon the meat from the crockpot, with a slotted spoon, onto a large paper towel-lined bowl. Let the excess fat drain from the beef for 10 minutes then transfer the beef to a covered container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Make sure to break apart the ground beef and mix well.
Nutrition Information
How to Make Taco Meat in a Crockpot Step by Step
Cook the Meat:Place 4 pounds of ground chuck, ¼ cup of water, 16 ounces of taco sauce, 6 tablespoons of taco seasoning, and 1½ teaspoons of granulated sugar in a crockpot set on high heat. Break the ground chuck apart and mix well. Cook for 4 hours, covered, stirring occasionally.
Drain the Meat: Spoon the meat from the crockpot, with a slotted spoon, onto a large paper towel-lined bowl. Let the excess fat drain from the beef for 10 minutes then transfer the beef to a covered container and refrigerate until ready to use.
If I were to use ground turkey instead of ground chuck how much would I need? Thanks!
Use the same amount — 4 pounds!
Can I cook the meat on stove first and then add everything to slow cooker?
We don’t recommend it, as the meat benefits from cooking slowly over a long period of time to become tender!
So easy and tasty. Where has this recipe been all my life?
So glad you enjoyed it, Teena!
How many people does this recipe feed?
Around 8 full bellies!
Can this be made with diced tomatoes instead of sauce?
You can give it a shot!
Great recipe!
Thanks for sharing, Jessica!
Can I cook this on low for 6 hours and then keep it on warm for a few hours until lunch?
You could definitely give it a shot!
This was delicious. I didn’t think to take a picture, but this was so easy and tasty, I will definitely make it again. I didn’t have taco shells, so I put it over Tostito chips with shredded cheese, sour cream, etc. Yummy!
Sounds amazing!!
I love this recipe! I have made it twice and love the ease of throwing the meat, seasonings, and salsa in and walking away. The meat comes out nice and moist, not dried out as it can be on the stovetop. It’s delicious and I probably won’t make taco meat any other way from now on!
Thanks for sharing, Jenn!