Description
This easy Crockpot Taco Meat recipe simplifies taco night with flavorful, slow-cooked ground beef seasoned perfectly with taco sauce and spices. Ready in just a few hours, this tender and juicy taco filling is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Base
- 4 pounds ground chuck
- ¼ cup water
Seasonings and Sauce
- 16 ounces taco sauce
- 6 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the ground chuck, water, taco sauce, taco seasoning, and granulated sugar into a crockpot. Break the ground chuck apart and mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Meat: Set the crockpot to low heat, cover it, and cook for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the meat cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors.
- Drain Excess Fat: Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a large bowl lined with paper towels. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow excess fat to drain off.
- Serve or Store: Use the cooked taco meat immediately in your favorite taco recipes or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
- Using ground chuck with higher fat content adds flavor but expect more fat to drain off afterward.
- The granulated sugar is optional and helps balance the acidity of the taco sauce.
- For a spicier variation, add chopped jalapeños or extra chili powder to the mix before cooking.
- Leftover taco meat freezes well for up to 3 months.
