Taco night happens once a week in my house, these are the BEST ground beef tacos made from scratch! This taco recipe is also great with ground turkey!
Dinner
4.9 (124)

Madison's Favorite Slow Cooker Beef Tacos

At my place, we dedicate one evening each week to taco night, and I can confidently say these homemade ground tacos are the ultimate treat! Whether you choose to use beef or turkey, this recipe delivers mouthwatering flavors no matter the meat.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings
8 Servings
Calories
382
American, MexicanTotal: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds 93% lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cloves crushed garlic
  • 1 small onion
  • 1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 16 corn taco shells
  • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar
  • 2 plum tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a large nonstick skillet, sear the beef over high heat, ensuring to crumble it into smaller bits as it cooks. Once it has lost its pink color, mix in 2 teaspoons of cumin along with the other dry spices, diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables soften, then transfer this mixture to the slow cooker. Add 1/2 cup of water, a bay leaf, and the tomato sauce. Cover and let it cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. After cooking, remove the bay leaf and stir in the remaining teaspoon of cumin.

  2. 2

    Prepare the taco shells following the package instructions. Once warmed, fill each shell with 1/4 cup of the cooked beef and top with shredded lettuce, 1 tablespoon of cheese, and diced tomatoes.

  3. 3

    Set your pressure cooker to the sauté function, then add the beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. After it turns brown, incorporate 2 teaspoons of cumin along with the rest of the dry spices, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

  4. 4

    Pour in 1/2 cup of water, add the bay leaf, and the tomato sauce. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes; allow for a natural release afterward. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the remaining teaspoon of cumin.

  5. 5

    Warm the taco shells according to the instructions provided, then fill each one with 1/4 cup of the beef mixture, and top with lettuce, a tablespoon of cheese, and chopped tomatoes.

Nutrition Information

382
Calories
31g
Protein
24g
Carbs
20g
Fat
4g
Sat. Fat
744mg
Sodium
* Nutrition information is per serving (2 tacos)

Notes & Tips

  • This recipe makes enough for 2 nights for a family of 4. You can freeze half, to freeze transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, transfer to the refrigerator the night before to thaw, then reheat on the stove or microwave.

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