If you’re like me, you love a meal that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and something the whole family will devour without complaints. This Mexican Ground Beef Crockpot recipe is a total lifesaver on busy weeknights. You just throw everything into the slow cooker, let it do its magic, and voilà—you’ve got a hearty, flavorful dinner ready to go. It’s packed with Mexican spices, tender ground beef, beans, corn, and just the right kick of heat. The best part? You can use it so many ways—tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or even over rice. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this easy, family-friendly recipe:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can of corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes (with green chilies if you like it spicy!)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
- Tortilla chips, rice, or tortillas (for serving)
Pro Tips
- Brown the Beef First: While you can toss raw ground beef into the crockpot, browning it first adds a deeper, richer flavor.
- Go Fresh on Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, lime, and a sprinkle of cheese take this dish to the next level—don’t skip them!
- Customize the Heat: If you’re cooking for kids, go easy on the chili powder. Adults can always spice up their bowls with hot sauce.
- Multi-Purpose Meal: Make extra! This is perfect for meal prep—you can use it in tacos, burrito bowls, or even stuffed peppers later in the week.
- Don’t Overcook: Since everything cooks quickly, 4-5 hours on low is perfect. Any longer, and the beans and veggies might get mushy.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet (optional, for browning the beef)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Garlic press (optional)
- Slow cooker
Substitutions and Variations
- Beans: Swap black beans for kidney beans or pinto beans.
- Meat: Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more beans or extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even queso fresco instead of cheddar.
Make Ahead Tips
- You can chop the onion, mince the garlic, and even brown the beef ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- This dish freezes beautifully! After cooking, let it cool completely and freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef (Optional)
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
2. Add Ingredients to Crockpot
Add the cooked beef (or raw if skipping the browning step), black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, chili powder, and beef broth into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on Low
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
4. Serve and Garnish
Spoon the mixture into bowls or use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or nachos. Garnish with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve with tortilla chips or rice.
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely and freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pot or microwave.
- Reheat Tips: Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick when reheating.
Conclusion
This Mexican Ground Beef Crockpot recipe is a total game-changer for busy families. It’s flavorful, versatile, and so easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how you served it—did you do tacos, burrito bowls, or something else fun? I’d love to hear your ideas! 🌮❤️
