Can I tell you how happy I am when I don’t have to brown meat in a separate pan?! This trick is so awesome and I’ll be using it again and again with my lean ground meats. Simply put the ground meat in the slow cooker with some seasoning and turn it to low. How easy is that? This is a great recipe if you’re trying to think of something to get in the slow cooker very quickly before you head out for a few hours in the afternoon. It literally takes like 2 minutes. I used my homemade taco seasoning (but you can use the pre-packaged stuff if you prefer). 4 stars.
Slow Cooker (no browning) Spicy Beef Taco Filling
Makes 4 servings
Ideal slow cooker size: 3 quart
1 lb lean ground beef (I used 93% lean. If you don’t use lean, it will be swimming in grease)
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp dried onion
2 Tbsp homemade taco seasoning
1. Combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker.
2. Use a spoon to break up the meat.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for about 3-4 hours.
4. Use a spoon to break up the meat again.
5. Serve in tacos!
P.S. Want some other yummy taco recipes? Try these favorites!
![]() |
5 ingredient Chicken Tacos |
![]() |
Tomatillo Beef Tacos |
![]() |
Ground Chicken Tacos |
Where is the recipe for the homemade taco seasoning?
I’ve linked to it but I’m guessing you didn’t notice! Here is the link: http://utah.todaysmama.com/2013/05/21/taco-seasoningno-preservatives-sodium-lot-cheaper/
Brilliant, Karen! So quick and easy. Definitely my kind of recipe. I've included it in a roundup of Slow Cooker Taco Fillings I recently posted http://simple-nourished-living.com/2014/07/crock-pot-taco-fillings-recipes/
Yes, I think adding rice would work! Just add in twice as much water as rice. For example, add in 1/2 cup brown rice and 1 cup water. Let me know how it goes!
Would this work to add brown rice into this to extend the servings a bit? If so what would you suggest for directions in doing this. I don't have a lot of experience in crockpot cooking so I'm not sure if the meat would brown or if rice would cook nicely by adding the water and the rice with all the rest of that.
I love EASY recipes that still work. This is one of those 🙂 Hooray!
I love how easy this is to make!
4 Ingredients + slow cooker = Brilliant! Exactly the type of recipe that goes into my box! Also, I love your recipe for the taco seasoning. I am definitely going to try both. Thank you.
yes, ground chicken or turkey would work great!
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
no kidding, right? so easy!
Now, this I could manage. Thanks