Crock Pot Taco Joes

Crock Pot Taco Sloppy Joes bring a fun taco twist to a classic sloppy joe dinner. This filling is wonderfully versatile, perfect for stuffing tacos, burritos, or even topping tostadas. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and fills the house with cozy aromas. Best of all, you can set it up in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner with minimal fuss.

I started making these on busy weeknights when I wanted comfort food without standing over the stove and quickly realized my whole family asks for this one all the time. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that keeps me coming back to slow cooker meals.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: two pounds is perfect for a crowd but can be swapped with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
• Refried beans: add creaminess and help bind the filling without extra sauce
• Enchilada sauce: brings that signature rich and tangy taco flavor, choose red or green based on your preference
• Taco seasoning: packet or homemade mix intensifies the southwestern spices
• Salsa: sixteen ounces for a fresh, zesty flavor homemade salsa works beautifully here too
• Hamburger buns: sturdy enough to hold all the filling without falling apart
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and chopped tomatoes add both texture and freshness

Instructions

Sear the Ground Beef:

Start by browning and crumbling two pounds of ground beef over mediumhigh heat until completely cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to drain excess fat which keeps the mixture from getting greasy. If your slow cooker has a sauté setting, you can save a pan by cooking it directly there.

Combine With Other Ingredients:

Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker and add one 16ounce can of refried beans, one 10ounce can of enchilada sauce, one packet of taco seasoning, and sixteen ounces of salsa. Stir everything well to fully incorporate the ingredients for an even flavor.

Cook Low and Slow:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for four hours. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and creates a juicy, thick taco sloppy joe mixture.

Assemble and Serve:

Spoon the filling generously onto hamburger buns and dress with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and diced tomatoes. Serve alongside fries, Spanish rice, or a crisp salad to round out the meal.

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My favorite ingredient here has to be the refried beans because they give such a creamy richness that makes the sloppy joe filling so satisfying without adding extra grease. I remember one chilly evening when I forgot to brown the beef beforehand and did it right in the slow cooker. The flavor was still great, but I learned that crisping up the beef first really deepens the taste.

Storage Tips

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a leaner option, just brown thoroughly. For a vegetarian version, try using cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu with the same seasoning. Use mild salsa if you prefer less heat or swap enchilada sauce with your favorite tomato-based salsa verde for a different flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

Aside from hamburger buns, this filling works perfectly in soft taco shells, crunchy tostadas, or wrapped in warm tortillas as burritos. Serve with Mexican rice, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. A squeeze of lime and some chopped cilantro on top really brighten the flavors.

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This generous, flavorful Crock Pot Taco Sloppy Joe recipe brings joy to any mealtime with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or saving plenty for lunch the next day, it’s a dish you’ll want on repeat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can this filling be used for tacos and burritos?

Absolutely. The seasoned beef mixture works wonderfully as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even taco salads, adding a rich and hearty flavor.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish on the stovetop?

Yes, brown the ground beef in a skillet, then stir in refried beans, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, and salsa. Heat until warm, stirring occasionally.

→ Can I reduce the amount of ground beef used?

Yes, the quantities can easily be halved. Leftover filling can be frozen for later use to avoid waste.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Common pairings include French fries, tater tots, Spanish rice, fresh salads, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

→ How should leftovers be stored and how long do they last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.