This one’s a weeknight win.
Dump everything in the crockpot, walk away, and come back to taco meat that’s packed with flavor, perfectly tender, and loaded with juicy corn and sweet peppers.
I’ve been making this for years—it’s a set-it-and-forget-it lifesaver that works great in tacos, bowls, burritos, or even over nachos.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve made this dozens of times, and I keep coming back to it. Here’s why:
- It’s mostly hands-off. Just throw it all in the slow cooker.
- The flavors develop so well while it simmers low and slow.
- It’s budget-friendly but still feels hearty and fresh.
- You can double it and freeze half for later.
- Works for tacos, bowls, burritos, or taco salads.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 works great)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small yellow onion or red onion, diced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream
Pro Tips
- Brown your beef before slow cooking if you like a more crumbly texture.
- Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup.
- Add a splash of lime juice at the end for a fresh pop.
- Stir in a handful of shredded cheese right before serving for extra creaminess.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Tools Required
- Crockpot (4–6 quart)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Large skillet (optional, for browning)
- Wooden spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
- Add black beans for more protein
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor
- Swap corn for diced zucchini or chopped spinach
- Add cayenne or chipotle powder for heat
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in a zip-top bag in the fridge. In the morning, just dump them in the crockpot and go.
How to Make Crockpot Ground Beef Taco Meat with Corn & Peppers (Serves 6 | Cook Time: 4–6 hours on Low)
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef (Optional)
If you prefer less liquid and more texture, brown 1.5 lbs ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any extra fat.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Add the browned (or raw) ground beef, 1 cup frozen corn, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 small diced yellow onion, 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp taco seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5–3 hours. Stir halfway through if you’re around.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
After cooking, give everything a good stir to break up any large pieces of beef. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot in your favorite taco shells, bowls, or burritos. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or sour cream.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth. Freeze for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Slow cooking ground beef in a mixture of tomatoes and spices lets the meat absorb flavor and stay juicy. The moisture from the peppers, corn, and tomatoes creates a steam environment that breaks down the beef into tender, flavorful crumbles without drying out.
Common Mistakes
- Not draining the beef (if browning) — can make the dish greasy.
- Overcooking on high — dries the beef out.
- Skipping seasoning — ground beef needs bold flavors!
- Lifting the lid too often — lets out heat and slows cooking.
- Not mixing halfway — the seasoning won’t spread evenly.
What to Serve With
- Warm tortillas or taco shells
- Cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Guacamole and chips
- A crisp side salad
- Queso or salsa on the side
FAQ
Can I use raw ground beef in the crockpot?
Yes! It works just fine. It’ll cook fully and break down during slow cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crockpot is big enough (6–8 quarts).
Is it spicy?
It’s mild. You can spice it up by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
Can I skip the corn or peppers?
Totally. Swap them for other veggies or just leave them out.
Can I cook it on the stovetop instead?
Yes. Brown the beef, add everything to a pot, and simmer for 25–30 minutes. Stir often.
Wrap-Up
This crockpot ground beef taco meat is the kind of recipe that makes life easier—just a handful of ingredients, big flavor, and total versatility. Whether you spoon it into tacos, layer it in burrito bowls, or pile it on nachos, it just works. Try it out, then leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out or if you made it your own!
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