BEEF TACO MEAT FOR A CROWD

BEEF TACO MEAT FOR A CROWD
Tacos seem to be a favorite of just about everyone.  Some people like them simple and some like them loaded with all the fixings.  The basis though of any good taco is moist, flavorful meat filling.  Olivia developed this recipe for a taco bar carry-in she had at work and she reported that it was a big hit.  I think what makes this meat special is that it has more than just the standard taco seasoning packet.  It is loaded with flavor from the tomatoes, chiles, cumin, garlic, onion, and cilantro.  When you make this, Olivia suggests using a crock pot liner, especially if you are making it for a crowd and want easy clean up.  Whether you like your tacos soft or crunchy, I think you will find this meat filling a crowd pleaser.
-Nanette

BEEF TACO MEAT FOR A CROWD

Ingredients:

3 lbs. ground beef
2 Tbsp. dehydrated chopped onion
1 Tbsp. dried cilantro
1 tsp. dehydrated minced garlic
1 tsp. salt (or to taste)
2 tsp. cumin (or to taste)
2 envelopes taco seasoning
1 cup warm water
2 cans Original Rotel
1 small can chopped green chiles
1/2 jar taco sauce

1)  Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until meat is cooked through.  Drain the meat thoroughly and leave it in the skillet.  Add the onion, garlic, salt, cumin, cilantro, and taco seasoning to the warm water in a small cup.  Add the spice and water mixture to the skillet and stir just until thickened and all of the spices are mixed in with the meat.

2)  Transfer the meat and spice mixture to a crock pot.  Stir in the Rotel, chiles, and taco sauce into the meat mixture.

3)  TO SERVE:
-If you're going to serve the tacos the same day, keep the crock pot on "keep warm" until ready to serve the tacos.
-If you want to make the meat ahead, put the crockpot crock in the fridge overnight.  The next day, heat the mixture in the crock pot on low, stirring frequently, and once heated through, move the temperature to "keep warm".