Budget Crockpot Ground Beef Tacos

Tacos are a beloved weeknight meal, offering endless customization and satisfying flavor. But feeding a crowd, or even a family, can strain the budget. Enter the slow cooker! This recipe for Budget Crockpot Ground Beef Tacos transforms inexpensive ground beef into a flavor-packed, tender filling, perfect for creating a delicious and affordable taco night.

Why Choose Crockpot Ground Beef Tacos?

Slow cookers are a busy cook’s best friend, and this recipe highlights their versatility. Here’s why you should embrace crockpot ground beef tacos:

• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is generally more affordable than other taco fillings like steak or shrimp. The slow cooker maximizes flavor from cheaper cuts, making your budget stretch further.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Simply brown the beef, add the ingredients to the crockpot, and let it work its magic. Minimal active cooking time allows you to focus on other things.
• Tender and Flavorful: The slow cooking process breaks down the beef, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful filling. The spices meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying taco experience.
• Customizable: The recipe is a blank canvas for your favorite taco toppings. Tailor it to your family’s preferences with various salsas, cheeses, and fresh vegetables.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious tacos throughout the week. The cooked beef freezes well, making it ideal for future meals.

The Ultimate Budget Crockpot Ground Beef Taco Recipe

This recipe is designed to be both delicious and economical. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking, adding more or less heat as desired.

Yields: 8-10 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend, see below)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• Optional: 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (for extra heat)
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Your favorite taco toppings (shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, etc.)

Homemade Taco Seasoning (optional):

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment:

• Large skillet
• Crockpot (slow cooker)

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, black beans, taco seasoning (or homemade blend), and beef broth (or water). If using, add the minced jalapeno.

4. Slow Cook: Stir everything together to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The beef should be very tender and easily shredded.

5. Shred the Beef: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the beef directly in the crockpot.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the shredded beef in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip browning the beef: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the finished dish.
• Adjust the liquid: If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more beef broth or water. If it seems too thin, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the beef and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more taco seasoning, salt, or pepper to your liking.
• Low and slow is best: Cooking on low for a longer period of time results in the most tender and flavorful beef.
• Reheat Properly: When reheating, add a splash of water or beef broth to maintain moisture.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for variations and adaptations:

• Spice it up: Add more jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
• Add vegetables: Include other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Add them with the other ingredients in the crockpot.
• Use different beans: Substitute pinto beans or kidney beans for black beans.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with crumbled plant-based ground beef substitute or lentils.
• Creamy Tacos: Stir in a block of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra creaminess.
• Taco Bowls: Serve the beef over rice or quinoa with your favorite taco toppings for a satisfying taco bowl.

Serving Suggestions and Topping Ideas

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and topping your Budget Crockpot Ground Beef Tacos. Here are some popular choices:

• Taco Shells: Crispy or soft taco shells are a classic choice.
• Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas, warmed in a skillet or microwave, are another great option.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all delicious.
• Lettuce: Shredded lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.
• Tomato: Diced tomatoes or chopped cherry tomatoes provide a juicy burst of flavor.
• Onion: Diced red onion or green onions add a pungent kick.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa, from mild to spicy.
• Guacamole or Avocado: Creamy guacamole or sliced avocado adds richness and healthy fats.
• Jalapenos: Sliced jalapenos add extra heat.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavor.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up all the flavors.

Making the Most of Leftovers and Meal Prepping

Budget Crockpot Ground Beef Tacos are perfect for meal prepping and utilizing leftovers. Here are some ideas:

• Freeze for Later: Let the cooked beef cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Taco Salad: Use leftover beef to make a taco salad. Simply combine it with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite dressing.
• Nacho Topping: Top tortilla chips with the beef, cheese, and other toppings for a quick and easy nacho appetizer.
• Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with the beef and cheese, then cook in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use the beef to stuff bell peppers along with rice, beans, and cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
• Shepherd’s Pie Topping: Top a layer of mashed potatoes with the taco meat and bake in the oven until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Budget Crockpot Ground Beef Tacos:

Can I use frozen ground beef?

Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but you’ll need to thaw it completely before browning it.

Can I add other vegetables to the crockpot?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, and zucchini are all great additions. Add them at the same time as the other ingredients.

How long can I store the cooked beef in the refrigerator?

Cooked ground beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

Use the homemade taco seasoning recipe provided, or simply season the beef with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

How do I prevent the beef from drying out in the crockpot?

Ensure there is enough liquid in the crockpot. If the beef seems dry, add a little more beef broth or water.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef. Cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to check the labels of your taco seasoning and taco shells or tortillas to ensure they are gluten-free.