The Easiest Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos

These shredded beef tacos take just minutes to prep and then the slow cooker does all the work! With tender beef and bold flavors, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.

 

Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos Recipe

These shredded beef tacos are as easy as they are delicious! The slow cooker ensures the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the simple ingredients bring an inviting, mouthwatering flavor to your table.

Ingredients for Shredded Beef Tacos

• Beef Chuck Roast: A flavorful cut that becomes tender after slow cooking. Brisket or round roast are good alternatives.
• Onion & Garlic: Adds subtle sweetness and infuses aromatic richness. Substitute with white or red onion if needed. Pre-minced garlic works as a quick substitute.
• Taco Seasoning: My easy homemade taco seasoning provides the perfect blend of spices. Storebought works well too!
• Chipotle in Adobo: Adds a smoky, spicy kick. Adjust quantity for desired heat or use smoked paprika for a milder option.
• Orange Juice: Brings a citrusy brightness to the dish. Pineapple juice can be used as a substitute.
• Lime Juice: Adds zesty freshness. Lemon juice works in a pinch.
• Beef Stock: Deepens the savory flavor. Chicken stock or vegetable broth are suitable substitutes.
• Bay Leaves: Adds subtle herbal notes. Omit if you don’t have any.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for tacos. Corn tortillas work too.
• Toppings: Diced onion, fresh cilantro, and queso fresco (or Cotija cheese) complete the tacos. Substitute queso fresco with feta cheese if desired.

How to Make Crock Pot Shredded Beef Tacos

Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the roast generously with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the beef to a large slow cooker.

Prepare the Aromatics: Without cleaning the pot, add another drizzle of olive oil if necessary. Sauté onion, garlic, taco seasoning, chipotles in adobo, and a pinch of salt and pepper for about 3 minutes. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef stock, scraping up browned bits. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.

Add the Liquids: Pour the orange juice, lime juice, and remaining beef stock into the slow cooker. Add bay leaves and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Cook the Beef: Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Shred and Serve: Shred the beef and discard the vegetables and bay leaves. Return beef to cooking liquid until you’re ready to eat. Serve in flour tortillas with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and queso fresco.

Tips for Making Slow-Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos

• Avoid soggy tacos: Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the cooking liquid before serving.
• Warm your tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for the best texture.
• Adjust spice level: Use more or less chipotle in adobo to control the heat to your liking.
• Keep toppings simple: Stick with fresh ingredients like cilantro and onion to let the beef shine.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• These shredded beef tacos are the perfect make-ahead meal!
• They will stay fresh in the fridge for days and reheat beautifully.

Storing Leftover Shredded Beef

• Place leftover shredded beef in an airtight container with the cooking liquid.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

• Transfer the shredded beef and cooking liquid to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.
• Thaw the beef overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

• Reheat the beef and cooking juices in a saucepan over low heat.
• Or microwave the beef and juices in a covered dish in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Avoid overcooking during reheating to retain tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

• roasted tomato salsa
• copycat Chipotle corn salsa
• cilantro lime sauce
• creamy chipotle sauce
• 5-minute avocado sauce

Try these easy taco recipes next!

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