Tacos are a favorite go-to meal for many. Who doesn’t love the combination of warm tortillas stuffed with savory shredded meat, fresh veggies, and zesty sauces? But heading to your favorite taco joint or whipping up tacos on a busy weeknight can be time-consuming. Luckily, your slow cooker can help you make tacos at home with minimal effort.
Slow cooker shredded beef tacos are a hands-off way to cook flavorful beef that shreds easily for tacos. By using your slow cooker, you can come home to tender beef that’s ready to assemble into tacos for a quick and easy dinner.
Benefits of Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos
Slow cooking the beef delivers several advantages:
- Tender shredded beef: The low, slow cooking tenderizes the beef so it shreds easily. No need to chew tough meat in these tacos!
- Infused with flavor: As the beef cooks, it soaks up the spices, peppers, garlic, and other flavorings. This adds delicious depth of flavor to the meat.
- Convenient: Just a bit of prep in the morning, and the beef cooks unattended while you’re out. Come home to cooked beef ready for tacos.
- Budget-friendly: Less expensive cuts of beef like chuck roast become tender during slow cooking. So you save money but still get delicious shredded beef.
How to Choose the Right Cut of Beef
Selecting the right cut of beef is important for tender, flavorful results:
- Chuck roast: This inexpensive cut has the right amount of fat and connective tissue to break down and become tender during slow cooking. It’s the ideal choice.
- Beef chuck shoulder roast: Nearly identical to chuck roast, this cut will also deliver excellent shredded beef.
- Bottom round or rump roast: These leaner cuts can work but may turn out a bit drier unless you add extra moisture.
- Brisket: Works well for shredded beef, but is pricier than chuck roast.
Aim for a 2-3 pound roast to feed 4-6 people. Excess cooked beef freezes well for future tacos!
Seasoning the Beef
Before placing the beef in the slow cooker, rub it all over with seasoning:
- 1-2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Customize the seasoning to suit your tastes. For spicier beef, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Slow Cooking the Beef
Add the seasoned beef roast to your slow cooker. Add any of these optional ingredients:
- 1 cup beef broth or broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, chopped
- 1 cup salsa
Cook on low for 8-10 hours. The exact time depends on size of roast. It’s ready when very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
If short on time, cook on high for 4-6 hours. Check frequently and reduce heat if liquid evaporates too quickly.
Shredding and Finishing the Beef
Once cooked, transfer the beef to a cutting board. Shred using two forks, discarding any excess fat or gristle.
To absorb more of the delicious cooking juices, return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat. Let sit for 15-30 minutes, then it’s ready for tacos!
Warming the Tortillas
Warming the tortillas before filling them prevents cracking and makes them more pliable for folding.
On the stove: Place a tortilla directly on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
In the oven: Wrap tortillas in foil and place in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Tacos Toppings Bar
Set out bowls ofdesired toppings so everyone can customize their tacos:
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Cilantro
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
Provide any other favorite taco toppings to delight your diners.
Putting It All Together
Now it’s time to assemble your tacos:
- Place a warm tortilla on a plate.
- Add a generous spoonful of shredded beef down the center.
- Top with desired fixings.
- Fold or roll the tortilla around the fillings.
- Enjoy right away while the beef and tortilla are warm!
Customize your tacos with different tortillas, extra toppings, and sauces for a taco experience all your own.
Recipe Variations
Change up the flavors with these seasoning variations:
Fajita-style: Use lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and your favorite fajita seasoning.
Southwestern: Ditch the chili powder for lots of cumin, smoked paprika, and enchilada sauce.
Chipotle: Infuse the beef with a chipotle chili pepper in adobo sauce.
Barbacoa-style: Season the beef with garlic, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, cumin, and Mexican oregano.
Tips for Meal Prep and Leftovers
- Cook a large roast so you have plenty of shredded beef for leftovers.
- Portion the beef into containers to refrigerate or freeze for quick future meals.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little broth.
- Use the shredded beef in burritos, rice bowls, nachos, salads, omelets, and more.
Satisfy Your Taco Craving
Now you can enjoy restaurant-quality shredded beef tacos easily at home using your slow cooker for meltingly tender meat. With this set-it-and-forget recipe, dinner is ready when you are. Just top with your favorite taco toppings and enjoy Mexican flavor without the hassle!
