Quick Answer
Yes, taco meat can safely sit in a crockpot on low heat all day as long as it reaches and maintains a safe internal temperature of at least 140°F. The low, slow cooking of a crockpot keeps taco meat tender while also ensuring it cooks through fully. As long as the crockpot doesn’t drop below 140°F, bacteria can’t rapidly multiply and the meat will be safe to eat after 8-10 hours.
Detailed Answer
Leaving taco meat in the crockpot all day can make weeknight dinners a breeze, but is it safe? As long as a few simple food safety guidelines are followed, taco meat can absolutely cook safely in the crockpot on low for 8-12 hours. Here’s what to know:
Maintain Proper Temperature
The key to safely cooking taco meat or any food all day in the crockpot is maintaining the proper temperature. Perishable foods like meat and poultry should be held at 140°F or above to prevent bacterial growth.
Crockpots easily reach and maintain temperatures above this food safety threshold on the low setting. As long as your crockpot can hit 140°F on low, the taco meat will stay safe at this temperature all day until serving time.
Periodically check the temperature with a food thermometer to be sure it’s holding steady above 140°F. If it drops below, bacteria could multiply faster, making the taco meat unsafe.
Start With Safe Ingredients
To prevent bacterial contamination from the start, be sure to begin with safe ingredients. Use freshly ground beef or turkey that hasn’t exceeded its sell-by date. Rinse produce that will be added like onions, peppers or tomatoes.
Avoid cross-contaminating the meat and vegetables by using separate cutting boards and utensils. Wash hands, surfaces, knives and the crockpot insert thoroughly before cooking.
Brown The Meat First
Browning ground meat before adding it to the crockpot kills off any bacteria that may be present on the surface. This important first step protects against potential contamination during the long cooking time.
Pre-browning also adds deeper flavor to the taco meat thanks to the Maillard reaction that occurs. Sear the meat in a skillet until no longer pink before transferring it into the heated crockpot.
Add Acidic Ingredients
In addition to pre-browning, incorporating acidic ingredients like tomatoes, lime juice or vinegar helps prevent bacterial growth. The increased acidity makes it difficult for dangerous pathogens to survive.
Chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa and taco seasoning mixes containing acidic ingredients are all smart additions to taco meat filling. Skip creams and dairy products when cooking all day.
Don’t Lift The Lid
Opening the crockpot cools down the contents inside each time. To maintain a steady safe temperature, resist lifting the lid to check the taco meat until cooking time is up.
The lid keeps heat circulating inside so the temperature remains stable. Don’t add any ingredients once the cooking begins either.
Discard Any Leftovers
Cook only the exact amount of taco meat you’ll use for that meal. Don’t rely on leftovers being safe after sitting in the turned-off crockpot overnight. Discard any extra filling once serving is complete.
The dip under 140°F allows bacteria to quickly multiply to dangerous levels. Cook a fresh batch the next day instead of saving leftovers.
Tips for Cooking Taco Meat All Day
Follow these tips to safely cook tender, flavorful taco meat in the crockpot:
- – Choose a lean ground beef or turkey and brown it before adding to the crockpot.
- – Mix in chopped onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic and taco seasoning.
- – Add 1/2 cup broth or water to prevent drying out.
- – Cook on low for 8-10 hours, checking temperature.
- – Shred meat and serve immediately, discarding any leftovers.
- – Top with favorite taco toppings like cheese, lettuce, salsa.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can safely cook taco meat all day in a crockpot as long as you follow proper food handling techniques. Browning the meat, maintaining temperature at 140°F or above, adding acids and avoiding lifting the lid will all help keep taco meat safe during the extended cooking time.
As long as your crockpot can cook at 140°F+ on low, the meat will reach a safe internal temperature after 8-10 hours. Remember to discard any leftover taco meat instead of keeping to avoid foodborne illness.