After making this taco meat; I will never again cook tacos in a frying pan. I prefer the taste and texture of crock pot tacos over taco meat browned in a pan.
This is another "dump and go" recipe for busy days as it actually uses frozen ground meat. You can use fresh ground meat, but I actually prefer using frozen meat in this recipe as it tends not to clump.
While I love the taste of my own seasoning (below) over the packaged kind, you can substitute all of the seasonings in this recipe for 2 packs of store bought seasoning.
Any leftovers of the meat can be frozen in individual portions and then defrosted in the microwave as needed. Its great to have on hand for taco salads, nachos, etc.
I make this in my 5 quart slow cooker
Ingredients:
2 lbs of frozen ground beef
2 tablespoon chili powder
3 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
3 cups of hot tap water
1 heaping teaspoon of better then Bullion Beef Paste (this is optional, but it gives the taco meat an amazing beefy flavor and I highly recommend using it. (If you omit the beef paste, you may need to add extra salt at the end for taste)3 cups of hot tap water
Directions:
(1) In a small bowl mix together all of the dry spices. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the spice mix to add in after cooking.
(2) Place the frozen ground meat on the bottom of your slow cooker.
(3) Add the mixed dry seasonings to the crock pot (except for the 2 tablespoons you reserved). Add the beef paste.
(4) Pour the 3 cups of hot tap water over top.
(5) Start on high for hour or more until the ground beef is browned.
(6) Switch to low for an additional 2-4 hours.
(7) Drain the meat and then return it to your slow cooker or another bowl. Mix in the reserved seasonings. Break up any clumps, while stirring in well the extra seasonings.
Serve with your favorite taco fixins.
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I love this!!! Real easy and you don't have to be in the kitchen while it's being made. Thanks again!!
ReplyDeleteDo you have to stir the beef when you put it in frozen after it thaws or just let it cook and stir at the end?
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to stir it. You can, if your around, but its not necessary.
DeleteDoes the meat have to be completely covered by water?
ReplyDeleteNo it does not.
ReplyDeletecan you do this same recipe with ground Turkey meat?
ReplyDeleteI generally like turkey tacos, however, I tried this recipe with ground turkey once and I didn't care for the end taste.
DeleteCan I double this recipe as I am having a taco party. Can I use really lean meat and not have to drain it?
DeleteIt worked fine with Turkey though I twigged the spices to what was already on the ground turkey.
DeleteYou an double this recipe. You will still have to drain it because of the water in the recipe.
ReplyDeleteMaking this tonight!!!! will let you know how it goes! gonna prob do indian fry bread w/ the time I save =) thanks for recipe!
ReplyDeleteCan I just keep it on low for 5 hours instead of doing an hour of high?
ReplyDeleteFor food safety, I would only do that if you are using fresh (not frozen) beef.
DeleteIf I double the recipe, does the cooking time change? Would you use the same heating levels?
ReplyDelete