Slow Cooker Beef Tacos

INGREDIENTS

• 1 yellow onion, minced

• 2 lbs. lean ground beef (90% or higher)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 oz can diced green chiles, drained(mild)

• 1 Tbsp tomato paste

• 8 oz tomato sauce

• 1/2 cup salsa or picante sauce

TACO SEASONING:

• 1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder

• 3 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano adds a beautiful flavor if you have it!)

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

• dash of cayenne pepper

ASSEMBLING THE TACOS:

• flour or corn tortillas

• sour cream

• lettuce

• tomatoes

• sliced jalapenos

• shredded cheese

• hot sauce

• black olives

• corn kernels

• or anything else you like on tacos!

INSTRUCTIONS CROCKPOT DIRECTIONS:

• To a large skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over MED heat.  Add onion and cook 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.  Add beef and increase heat to MED HIGH.  Brown, breaking into smaller pieces as it cooks, for another 4-5 minutes, or until no longer pink.  Add minced garlic and cook another minute.

• Drain grease and transfer to slow cooker.  Add taco seasoning spices, diced green chiles, tomato paste, tomato sauce and salsa.  Stir to combine.

• Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

• Assemble tacos to your liking and enjoy!

INSTANT POT DIRECTIONS:

• Select saute, then add a drizzle of oil and minced onion.  Saute for 2-3 mintues.  Add beef and brown, breaking it into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon.  Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.

• Stir in taco seasoning spices, diced green chiles and tomato paste.  Top with tomato sauce, salsa and 1/2 cup water.  Cover and cook on HIGH pressure for approximately 20 minutes.

• Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.  Assemble tacos to your liking and enjoy!