Dump and Go Crockpot Beans Tacos: The Ultimate Weeknight Meal

Tacos are a weeknight staple in many households, offering endless customization and quick preparation. But what if you could make taco night even easier? Enter: Dump and Go Crockpot Beans Tacos. This recipe simplifies everything, turning dried beans into a flavorful, satisfying taco filling with minimal effort. Say goodbye to soaking beans and hello to a hands-off, delicious meal that’s perfect for busy families.

Why Choose Crockpot Beans for Tacos?

The crockpot is your best friend when it comes to simplifying cooking. Using it for beans offers several advantages:

• No Soaking Required: Forget planning ahead! This recipe is designed for unsoaked dried beans. The slow cooking process softens them perfectly.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Simply dump the ingredients in, set the timer, and walk away. No need to babysit the pot.
• Deep Flavor: The long, slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and complex taste.
• Budget-Friendly: Dried beans are incredibly inexpensive, making this a cost-effective meal option.
• Versatile: The cooked beans can be used for tacos, burritos, salads, or enjoyed as a side dish.

The Perfect Dump and Go Crockpot Beans Tacos Recipe

This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to adjust the spices and add-ins to create your own signature flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried pinto beans (or black beans, kidney beans, or a mix)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend, see below)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, combine the dried beans, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, green chilies, taco seasoning, vegetable broth, chili powder (if using), and cumin (if using).

2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot.

3. Check for Doneness: The beans should be tender and easily mashed with a fork. If they are still firm, cook for an additional hour.

4. Mash (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to partially mash the beans.

5. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

6. Assemble Tacos: Warm taco shells or tortillas. Fill with the crockpot beans and your favorite toppings.

7. Serve: Enjoy immediately!

Homemade Taco Seasoning:

If you prefer a homemade taco seasoning, mix together the following ingredients:

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

Store any leftover seasoning in an airtight container.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Beans Tacos

While this recipe is incredibly simple, these tips will help you achieve the best results:

• Rinse Beans (Optional): While not strictly necessary, rinsing the dried beans before adding them to the crockpot can help remove any debris or dust.
• Don’t Overfill: Be sure to leave enough room in the crockpot for the beans to expand as they cook. Overfilling can lead to overflow.
• Adjust Liquid: If the beans absorb too much liquid during cooking, add more broth as needed to reach your desired consistency.
• Add a Smoked Flavor: For a smoky flavor, add a smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (finely chopped) to the crockpot.
• Customize with Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Storage: Leftover beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover beans in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions and Taco Topping Ideas

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving your crockpot beans tacos. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Classic Toppings: Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend), lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, guacamole.
• Spicy Toppings: Jalapeños, hot sauce, pickled onions.
• Fresh Toppings: Cilantro, lime wedges, pico de gallo.
• Unique Toppings: Roasted corn, crumbled queso fresco, avocado crema.
• Sides: Serve your tacos with a side of Mexican rice, chips and salsa, or a simple salad.
• Beyond Tacos: Use the beans as a filling for burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas. Top a baked potato or sweet potato with the bean mixture and your favorite toppings. Serve alongside a simple green salad for a satisfying bowl. Add the bean mixture to a tortilla with your choice of cheese and grill in a pan, for a fast, comforting quesadilla.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Do I really not have to soak the beans? Yes, this recipe is designed for unsoaked dried beans. The slow cooking process in the crockpot will soften them perfectly.

• Can I use different types of beans? Absolutely! Pinto beans are a classic choice, but you can also use black beans, kidney beans, or a mix of your favorites.

• Can I make this vegetarian/vegan? Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring your taco seasoning and broth are plant-based.

• How long will the leftovers last? Leftover beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

• Can I cook this on the stovetop? While this is a crockpot recipe, you can adapt it for the stovetop. Bring the ingredients to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender.

• Can I add meat to this recipe? Yes! Brown a pound of ground beef or sausage before adding it to the crockpot along with the other ingredients.

• My beans are still hard after 8 hours. What should I do? Some factors can influence cooking time. Ensure your crockpot is functioning correctly. Add more liquid and continue cooking, checking every hour, until the beans are soft. High altitude can also increase cooking time.