Last Updated on October 6, 2021 by Anne-Marie

Making Crockpot Taco Meat means dinner is a breeze. That’s because everyone loves crockpot tacos whether it’s Taco Tuesday or you’re having guests over for a party.

Why this recipe works

What I love about making crock pot taco meat is that it’s so simple to put together and only takes three hours in your slow cooker.

Then all you have to do is gather the crockpot taco fixings, which take no time at all.

So, if you’re looking for simple crockpot Mexican recipes for a busy weeknight dinner, making taco meat in a slow cooker fits the bill.

Besides tacos, you can also use taco meat in a recipe like Layered Taco Dip and Easy Layered Taco Salad.

3 ingredient crockpot taco meat

What I love about this easy recipe for slow cooker taco meat is that it only takes three ingredients to make.

The meat is super flavorful and tender from being in the slow cooker.

1. Ground meat – You can use any type of ground meat you like: turkey, beef, or venison are favorites of mine.

I suggest using extra lean ground meat with a fat content of 7% or less.

It’s a great idea to buy your ground meat bulk when it goes on sale and then repackage it in 2 pound packages.

Use freezer bags with the air pressed out or vacuum sealed bags to keep the ground meat free from freezer burn.

2. Salsa – Any variety of salsa works. I usually stick with mild or medium salsa. That way your family and guests can increase the spicy level by adding hot sauce to their crockpot tacos later.

3. Taco seasoning – You can use your favorite brand of taco seasoning packet.

I prefer using my own homemade taco seasoning mix since I know what’s exactly in it. When I make my own, it’s gluten free and dairy free.

Plus, I have a HUGE jar of it and never run out when I want to make crock pot taco meat!

Make crock pot taco meat for a crowd

Whether it’s a Taco Tuesday dinner at home with the kids or you’re hosting a big sports watching party, there’s nothing more fun than putting together a taco bar.

It’s also a nice way to make sure everyone has exactly the crock pot tacos they like, whether it’s super spicy, low carb or gluten free.

Here are some taco bar ideas:

Tortillas – flour, corn, or low carb – Corn tortillas are gluten free and need to be heated on a skillet to soften before serving. Low carb tortillas are pretty tasty and nice for those on low carb diets.

Cheese – shredded cheddar, shredded Mexican style blend, or queso fresco

Lettuce – buy a bag of shredded lettuce to save time

Diced onion – yellow or red onion

Salsa – I like to serve a variety of red salsas and salsa verde

Hot sauces – My husband and son collect interesting hot sauces just to serve their friends at parties

Diced tomatoes

Guacamole – make your own or buy some from the store

Diced or sliced avocados

Sour cream – I prefer using no fat Greek yogurt as a heathier alternative

Sliced limes – even on crock pot taco meat, I like a squeeze of fresh lime juice on my tacos

Can you put raw ground meat in a slow cooker?

YES! There’s no browning of the ground meat required in this slow cook taco meat recipe. So less cleanup.

For even less cleanup, use crockpot liners. They’re amazing! I no longer have to soak my crockpot overnight and scrub it in the morning.

Can I cook frozen ground meat?

Yes. You’ll need to cook on high (not low) for 3-4 hours.

Then turn your slow cooker to low after the meat looks it’s mostly cooked through. Then cook on low for another hour.

Can I freeze slow cook taco meat?

Sure! Double or triple the recipe and freeze some for for later in freezer or vacuum sealed bags.

Or make a big batch for a party or potluck.

I like using a using an insulated crockpot carrier bag to bring my Cook N Carry Crock Pot taco meat to friends’ home for potlucks. It keeps everything warm and spill free.

(You can bring fixings for crock pot tacos in a separate insulated bag.)

It’s OK to reheat taco meat in your crockpot?

Thaw out any frozen taco meat in your refrigerator overnight. Then reheat the crockpot taco meat in your slow cooker.

It’s also a great way to keep things ready for a party ahead of time.

Can I use crock pot taco meat in other recipes?

Of course! Besides tacos, you can use it in burritos. Serve it on top of rice to make a taco bowl.

I use this crockpot taco meat in my Chopped & Layered Taco Salad recipe.

Is Crockpot Taco Meat keto friendly?

As long as you use a low carb keto friendly salsa, it sure is.

Check out the low carb tortillas, too!

Is slow cooker taco meat gluten free and dairy free?

As long as your taco seasoning is both GF and has no dairy in it, you should be fine.

More crockpot Mexican recipes

If you love Mexican food, check out these crockpot Mexican recipes:

● Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe

● Slow Cooker Creamy Verde Chicken Chili

● Best Carne Asada Marinade Recipe (grill or slow cooker)

● Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe Without BBQ Sauce

● 7 Can Taco Soup