Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos are a game-changer for busy nights! Juicy beef slowly cooked with spices makes every bite flavorful and tender, perfect for filling soft tortillas.
If you like a little kick, don’t forget to add your favorite toppings! I love loading mine up with salsa and guacamole. It’s taco time, and you know that’s a reason to celebrate! 🌮
Making these tacos is super easy – just toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it. When you’re ready, shred the beef, and enjoy a yummy meal with family or friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This is the star of the dish! The marbling in chuck roast makes it perfect for slow cooking. If you’re looking for a leaner option, brisket or flank steak can work too, though they may be less tender.
Onion: Yellow onions are great here for their sweetness. If you’re out, red onions can also be a tasty substitute. Just remember, red onions have a bit more bite!
Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder, but I personally think fresh gives the best taste.
Beef Broth: A must for adding depth. If you’re low on broth, water can work, but consider adding a bit more salt or seasoning to compensate.
Chili Powder: This brings warmth and flavor! You can substitute with taco seasoning or even a mix of paprika and cayenne if you’re out.
Tortillas: Corn for a classic taste or flour for a softer bite – both are delicious! You could also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
How Do I Get the Beef to Be Super Tender and Shreddable?
Cooking the beef slowly is essential to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Sear the Beef: This step is key! Searing on medium-high heat creates a flavorful crust. Make sure to brown all sides for the best result.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 8 hours is ideal. If you’re short on time, the high setting can work too, but keep an eye on the beef—check it after 4 hours.
- Shredding: Use two forks to shred the meat. It helps to shred it in the juices; this keeps it moist and flavorful.
Following these steps will ensure your beef is perfect for your tacos. Enjoy the deliciousness!
How to Make Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Assembling the Tacos:
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Diced tomatoes, for topping
- Sliced jalapeños, for topping
- Sour cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and then you’ll need to cook it in the slow cooker for either 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. So total, expect to set aside some time during the day, but the actual hands-on work is quite quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef chuck roast. Sear the beef for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. This step adds great flavor! Remove the roast from the skillet and set it aside for now.
2. Preparing the Base in the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, layer the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom. This will create a delicious base for the beef and infuse great flavor into the dish.
3. Adding the Beef:
Now, place the seared beef roast right on top of the onions and garlic. It’s like a cozy bed for the beef!
4. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together, then pour this flavorful mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
5. Cooking the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Now it’s time for the magic! Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You want the beef to be really tender and shreddable, so be patient—it’ll be worth it!
6. Shredding the Beef:
Once the beef is done cooking, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, mixing it with all those delicious cooking juices.
7. Warming the Tortillas:
Warm up the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat or directly over a flame until they’re pliable and yummy. This makes them easier to fill and fold!
8. Assembling the Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla and add a generous amount of that tasty shredded beef. Then top it off with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the tacos right away and enjoy the amazing flavors! These are great for sharing or just for a tasty night in. Happy eating!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for shredding, you can also use brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut’s thickness and fat content, so adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s tender.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you’re out of beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly, but it will still make a delicious taco filling! For extra richness, adding a splash of soy sauce can help enhance the flavor.
How to Store Leftover Shredded Beef?
Store leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems dry.
Can I Make the Beef Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the shredded beef a day or two in advance. Just follow the recipe, and once it’s cooled, store it in the fridge. Reheat when you’re ready to serve in tacos. This can save you time on busy days!
