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Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Taco Filling Recipe for Perfect Meal Prep

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A simple and flavorful slow cooker ground beef taco filling perfect for meal prep, using pantry staples and minimal active cooking time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Transfer the browned meat and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine.
  5. Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, without lifting the lid frequently.
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, stir the filling and adjust seasoning if needed. The texture should be juicy but thick enough to hold inside taco shells.
  7. Let the filling cool slightly before portioning into airtight containers for storage. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Notes

Browning the beef and onions before slow cooking enhances flavor and texture but can be skipped for convenience. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to retain moisture and heat. Adjust seasoning at the end to taste. For gluten-free, verify taco seasoning ingredients. Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative with slightly less cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, ground beef, taco filling, meal prep, easy recipe, taco meat, slow cooker tacos

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/easy-slow-cooker-ground-beef-taco-filling-recipe-for-perfect-meal-prep/