Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Burrito Filling Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add an extra layer of texture, consider stirring in some fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice immediately after turning off the slow cooker.

These bright flavors contrast beautifully with the savory, slow-cooked beef and help refresh the overall profile of the dish before serving it to guests or family members.

If the mixture seems a bit too intense in flavor, a small amount of sour cream or shredded cheese can be added as a topping. These additions provide a creamy element that balances the acidity of the salsa and the saltiness of the taco seasoning, making for a more well-rounded and satisfying burrito experience.

Variations

• Spicy Beef Filling: Add two finely diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker at the beginning. This provides a consistent heat that permeates the entire mixture during the long cooking process.
• Vegetable-Packed Filling: Incorporate one cup of diced bell peppers and one cup of diced onions along with the beans and corn. The extra vegetables add a pleasant crunch and boost the overall volume of the dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming.

Allow any leftover filling to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring it to an airtight container.

Properly stored, the filling will remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Always ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent the absorption of other odors from the refrigerator.

This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. The filling can be prepared entirely in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

When ready to eat, simply reheat the desired portion on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors often improve after sitting for a day, making this an ideal dish for planning ahead for busy work weeks.

Serving ideas

Serve this filling in warm flour tortillas for classic burritos, or spoon it over a bed of cilantro-lime rice to create a hearty burrito bowl. It also works wonderfully as a topping for fresh tortilla chips, creating a quick and easy nacho platter that is perfect for casual gatherings or as a satisfying snack.

For a more complete meal, offer a variety of toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled jalapeños, or additional salsa on the side.

Letting everyone customize their own burrito or bowl ensures that the meal meets individual preferences while keeping the preparation simple and efficient for the cook.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Burrito Filling

Prep 5 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 5 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 16 oz jar salsa

Instructions

1. Place the raw ground beef into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Use a spoon to break it up slightly if desired, though the heat will do most of the work during the cooking process.
2. Scatter the black beans and corn over the raw ground beef. Sprinkle the contents of the taco seasoning packet evenly across the top of the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well covered.
3. Pour the jar of salsa over the top of the beans, corn, and seasoning. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours. Once finished, ensure the beef has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.