Beef Dishes

Slow Cooker Tacos with Easy Pickled Onions (for a Family or a Crowd!)

Posted by koolaidmoms on

Well, we had one dinner together and we are back to the usual busyness for a bit longer. End of school is coming!!! I am so happy. Though we have a super busy summer planned it will be different from the every day school things that are scheduled by someone other than me.

I decided to try taco meat in the slow cooker because it is just so much easier to come home and have half the meal all ready done than having to start from scratch on these nights. And, in all actuality, it was closer to three-quarters of the meal was done before we got home. I thought that next time we have a houseful of teens this would be a great option for a taco bar because the meat is kept warm and I don’t have to fuss over it. Plus, the pickled onions will be a great addition for something different.

Verdict:

The tacos were good but the star of the show was the pickled onions. They added a new dimension to the tacos. My son ate four tacos and everyone asked that next time I add more vegetables, not just onions, to the mix. I am thinking cucumbers and cauliflower will work well and add more crunch.

This meal does take some planning ahead as the pickled onions should really sit in the refrigerator at least 5-6 hours but the longer they sit the better they are! So, make them the night before or the morning you plan on serving them and let them rest in the refrigerator while you go about your day.

Slow Cooker Tacos with Pickled Onions

  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. ground beef (the leaner the better)
  • 1 1/2 cups petite diced tomatoes in tomato juice
  • 1 can (5 oz) green chilies (mild or hot – your choice)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 heaping tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Cayenne pepper
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Serving suggestions: corn tortillas, flour tortillas, sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, olives, salsa, taco sauce, etc…

Directions:

  1. Break ground beef into chunks in bottom of slow cooker. Add all ingredients and stir well. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
  2. Stir well before serving and taste. Adjust spices as needed prior to serving.

Pickled Onions:

  • 2 large red onions, you can use other onions but they  won’t have that nice pink color
  • 1  cup boiling water
  • 1 1/4 cups vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

  1. Thinly slice red onions and place in a jar that seals well or a bowl with a tight-fitting cover.
  2. In a separate bowl mix water, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until sugar and salt are dissolved.
  3. Pour mixture over onions until onions are submerged completely. You may not need whole amount of liquid. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 5 to 24 hours before serving.

 

 

13 Comments Add yours

  1. nildamacedopaulino says:
    May 10, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    Nice ❤ ❤ ❤

    Like

    Reply
  2. Daniela Anderson says:
    May 10, 2017 at 3:30 pm

    I’ve been considering buying a slow cooker, l can see so many lovely recipes that can be made with it. Your taco recipe looks hearty and delicious, the pickled onions must give a nice flavour.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. koolaidmoms says:
      May 10, 2017 at 4:31 pm

      I love my slow cooker! I use it 2-4 times a week. The secret is not overcooking your meal. If your has a timer experiment with it to get the best timing on when your meats are done.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. anotherfoodieblogger says:
    May 10, 2017 at 3:41 pm

    I love pickled red onions on my tacos!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. koolaidmoms says:
      May 10, 2017 at 4:36 pm

      I love them and never thought of doing it at home. I was amazed at how easy they are to make.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Pingback: Slow Cooker Tacos with Easy Pickled Onions (for a Family or a Crowd!) | My Meals are on Wheels
    1. koolaidmoms says:
      May 11, 2017 at 2:47 am

      Thanks!

      Like

      Reply
  5. Tonia's Castle says:
    May 11, 2017 at 6:23 am

    ty for the pickled onions recipe. had been looking for one.

    We garnish our tacos with avocado/guacamole, salsa and shredded cheese. I don’t know if red onions will be appreciated but might try it with roast or brisket tacos.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. koolaidmoms says:
      May 11, 2017 at 11:58 am

      I made these because I was told me they were the easiest ones. Some add whole all spice or peppercorns and I had none of those. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Lynz Real Cooking says:
    May 11, 2017 at 11:57 am

    yummm

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. koolaidmoms says:
      May 11, 2017 at 11:58 am

      Thank you, Lynn! I look forward to your comments!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Lynz Real Cooking says:
        May 12, 2017 at 12:31 pm

        I love your blog xx

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  7. Pingback: Creamy Herbed Lemon Chicken – What's for Dinner Moms?

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