Description
These Crockpot Shredded Beef Tacos are a flavorful and easy slow cooker meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, spiced chuck roast is slow-cooked with onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and spices until fork-tender, then shredded and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like cilantro, avocado, and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 2–3 pounds chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Vegetables and Liquids
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- Juice of 1 lime
To Serve
- 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced onion, avocado, cheese, salsa, sour cream
Instructions
- Season the Beef: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. Rub this spice mixture all over the chuck roast evenly to ensure flavorful meat.
- Sear the Roast: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chuck roast and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until the exterior is browned. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place sliced onions and minced garlic evenly at the bottom of the crockpot. This creates a flavorful base for the meat to cook on.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Place the seared roast on top of the onions and garlic. Pour the diced tomatoes with green chilies and beef broth around the beef. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the Beef: Carefully remove the beef from the crockpot and use two forks to shred the meat finely. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot and stir it into the cooking juices to absorb extra flavor.
- Finish with Lime: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the shredded beef and mix well to add a fresh, zesty finish to the dish.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm the tortillas and fill each with a generous portion of shredded beef. Add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, diced onion, avocado slices, cheese, salsa, or sour cream to taste. Serve immediately for a delicious taco meal.
Notes
- Leftovers are delicious used in burritos, nachos, or quesadillas for versatile meals throughout the week.
- Skipping the searing step saves time but may reduce depth of flavor slightly.
- Adjust the spices to control the heat level; omit or reduce cayenne for milder flavor.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the roast overnight with the spices.
