This slow cooker taco meat is an easy and hands free way to get dinner on the table. Just three ingredients, ground beef, salsa, and taco seasoning, combine in the slow cooker and cook away. There is no need to brown the meat, so the prep takes less than five minutes. Let your slow cooker do the work for taco night or turn this perfectly seasoned ground beef into nachos, quesadillas, salads, or burrito bowls.

PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!

If you love tacos as much as I do, you probably have taco night once a week in your house. This simple slow cooker taco recipe is a great way to turn your favorite stovetop taco meat into a hands off dinner. This recipe is just three ingredients and comes together in your crockpot in just five minutes before you head off to work. It’s so easy and delicious!

Why This Recipe Works

No browning: The ground beef goes into the slow cooker raw.
Only three ingredients: Ground beef, salsa, and taco seasoning.
No added water: Salsa provides all the moisture while adding more flavor.
Great for feeding a crowd: Make a big batch and keep it warm for a taco bar.
Perfect for meal prep: It freezes and reheats really well.

How to Make Taco Meat in the Crockpot

Add the ground beef to the base of your crockpot and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Add the salsa and taco seasoning and gently stir to combine.

Overhead view a crock pot with hamburger and a wooden spoon for Slow Cooker Taco Meat recipe

Add the salsa and taco seasoning.

Overhead view of a crock pot with hamburger and seasonings for Slow Cooker Taco Meat recipe.

Stir everything to combine. Cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. At the end of the cooking time, break up the meat a bit more and stir to combine.

Overhead view of hamburger and seasonings in slow cooker for Slow Cooker Taco Meat recipe

At the end of the cooking time, break up the meat a bit more and stir to combine.

Overhead view of Slow Cooker Taco Meat in a crock pot garnished with cilantro

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Taco Meat

Use lean ground beef. Because we are cooking this right in the slow cooker and won’t have an opportunity to drain off the grease, start with 90/10 ground beef.
Do not use frozen beef. If you have frozen ground beef it needs to be thawed before using it in this recipe.
Break the meat apart well. Again, without cooking it on the stovetop we miss the opportunity of breaking this up as it browns. Break it up well with a wooden spoon before it starts cooking.
Reach for a thick salsa. While I love my blender salsa, its thin consistency will lead to a more watery taco meat. The salsa is important for both flavor and moisture, but you want to use a thick and chunky salsa for this recipe.
Drain off excess liquid if it is too watery. If at the end of the cook time your beef is too watery, drain off some of the excess liquid. To avoid this make sure to use 90/10 ground beef and a thick salsa.

Can You Put Raw Ground Beef in a Slow Cooker

Yes. You do not need to brown ground beef before putting it in the slow cooker. Make sure that you are using fully thawed ground beef and that it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit before you serve it.

Making Taco Meat with Ground Turkey

If your family prefers to eat ground turkey over ground beef, you can totally make this slow cooker taco meat with turkey. Since ground turkey is more lean than ground beef, you may want to add a little olive oil to the crockpot with the rest of the ingredients. Otherwise, you can follow the recipe as written and enjoy delicious ground turkey taco meat!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. I recommend storing the meat by itself, and any leftover toppings in their own separate containers. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through.

Freezing Taco Meat

You can also double this recipe and freeze some for later. Once your slow cooked taco meat has cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator, and then heat it in a saucepan or skillet over low heat on the stove. Add a splash of water if it appears dry.

Bowl of Slow Cooker Taco Meat garnished with cilantro, tomatoes beside

Ways to Use Leftover Taco Meat

Here are some delicious recipes that you can make with leftover or fresh ground beef taco meat!

If you make this slow cooker taco meat recipe or any of my other recipes, I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it and would be so grateful if you came back and left a comment letting me know!

Recipe Video

No ratings yet