Slow-Cooker Taco Seasoned Shredded Beef

January 23, 2014

We all find our own way in life; do we not?

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Often to our parent's chagrin

Yes, we can offer advice. Yes, we can try our darndest to boss them around, but at a certain point, they're old enough to choose and follow their own path

Do we wish for them a road that's straight & easy? For them to hear, absorb, and learn from our words. The been-there-done-that's only experience can bring? Of course

But sometimes lessons, good/bad/or otherwise, can only be lived

So as a parent you search for a way to stay connected .. as much for yourself as for them .. a hook into their heart .. planting some seeds along the way .. never quite knowing if they'll grow .. but hoping nonetheless

I've taken to sending recipes .. it may seem a bit out of the norm in today's digital world .. but every week .. a handwritten recipe or two .. along with a short note .. is sent to a place far away

I wish for something fun when a mailbox is opened .. tangible .. with my handwriting .. a quick story ..

This is the dish your Grandma makes every year at Thanksgiving. Do you remember .. you ate this every day for a month when you were 5?

You're favorite chocolate chip cookies .. (ps: Don't eat too many)

So this week .. a new find is waiting to be collected from our sub-zero mailbox .. passed along via a wonderful friend whose a treasure trove of recipes that are simple, as well as delicious. A crock-pot method for making taco seasoned beef .. that can then be used in burritos, salads, tacos, fajitas ..

I don't know why .. but it had never occurred to me to cook either a roast .. or .. taco flavored meat this way. A roast was something for Sunday afternoons .. taco meat begged ground beef .. browned on the stovetop with a package of store-bought seasoning.

So this weekend, my husband and I tried our hand, and now have a great source of protein stashed away in our freezer. Of course, there was QA; tacos for lunch

Lots of ways to make it yours, especially if you like extra heat. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce would be a great crock-pot addition, salsa with a kick a good fixing as well.

I've also spied variations that add a bit of tomato paste to the broth along with garlic and onions. Some sear the beef before adding it to the slow-cooker. I didn't.

Our favorite toppings? Grated cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, avocado, pico de gallo

Enjoy!

xoxo