Slow cooker beef tacos are the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Tender, flavorful beef, cooked low and slow until it practically melts in your mouth, all nestled in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, and the best part is the slow cooker does all the work! I remember one particularly hectic soccer season, these slow cooker beef tacos saved my sanity. Coming home after practice to a house filled with the aroma of savory beef was a lifesaver.
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Growing up, Tuesday night was taco night, but these take it to a whole new level. That’s why I’m so excited to share this simple and delicious recipe with you!
Why You Will Love This slow cooker beef tacos Recipe
This slow cooker beef tacos recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. It’s the ultimate set it and forget it meal! Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready to eat dinner. It’s the perfect comfort food after a long week.
The flavor is incredible! A blend of simple spices creates a deep, rich flavor that’s incredibly satisfying. Even better, everyone can customize their tacos with their favorite toppings. It’s all about ease, flavor and a customizable dinner experience.
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Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker beef tacos Recipe
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 lime, juiced
- Tortillas (corn or flour), for serving
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, diced tomatoes, etc.
How to Make This slow cooker beef tacos Recipe
- 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- 2. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef chuck roast, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- 3. Place the chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. This helps prevent the beef from sticking and adds flavor to the broth.
- 4. Place the seasoned beef chuck roast on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
- 5. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes and green chilies. Add the minced garlic.
- 6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker.
- 7. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- 8. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir in the apple cider vinegar and lime juice. Let it simmer in the sauce for another 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors. For even more beefy flavor be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Beef Bowl!
- 9. Warm your tortillas according to package directions.
- 10. Assemble your slow cooker beef tacos! Fill each tortilla with shredded beef and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy these delicious slow cooker beef tacos.
How to Serve This slow cooker beef tacos Recipe
These slow cooker beef tacos are best served immediately while the beef is warm and tender.
Consider setting up a taco bar! This allows everyone to customize their tacos to their liking. Provide a variety of toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, and diced tomatoes. A side of Mexican rice and refried beans would be perfect complements. You could even serve a batch of my Slow Cooker Beef Bowl 2 alongside!
For plating, consider serving the tacos on a platter or in individual taco holders. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
How to Store This slow cooker beef tacos Recipe
Leftover shredded beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, the shredded beef can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat the shredded beef in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to keep it moist.
Tips to Make This slow cooker beef tacos Recipe
- For best results, use a well marbled beef chuck roast.
- Don’t skip the browning step! It adds a depth of flavor to the beef. You can brown it in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For more flavor, try adding a can of fire roasted tomatoes or some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker.
Helpful Notes for This slow cooker beef tacos Recipe
- The slow cooker is your friend! These slow cooker beef tacos are a handsoff recipe, giving you time to focus on other things.
- Chuck roast is the perfect cut of beef. It becomes incredibly tender after being cooked for a long period of time.
- Don’t overcook the beef. It should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork, but not so mushy that it falls apart completely.
- The apple cider vinegar adds a touch of brightness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the beef.
Variation of This slow cooker beef tacos Recipe
- For a spicier version, add a minced jalapeño pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
- You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans. Check out my Slow Cooker Salmon Pasta for inspiration in using the slow cooker for other recipes.
- Use different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat, spinach, or gluten free.
- Serve the shredded beef in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low carb option.
- Use other cuts of beef like brisket for different flavors.
How long do you cook beef for tacos in a slow cooker?
For the most tender and flavorful slow cooker beef tacos, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Make sure the beef is easily shreddable with a fork to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What is the best cut of beef for slow cooker tacos?
Chuck roast is generally considered the best cut of beef for slow cooker tacos. It has a good amount of marbling, which results in tender, flavorful, and juicy shredded beef after slow cooking.
What toppings go well with slow cooker beef tacos?
Classic toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa are always a good choice. Consider adding guacamole, pickled onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor and texture.
Can I freeze slow cooker beef taco meat?
Yes, slow cooker beef taco meat freezes very well. Allow the meat to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
These slow cooker beef tacos are a guaranteed hit for any gathering. The ease of preparation and the incredible flavor combine to make a truly unforgettable meal. The incredible aroma of slow cooker beef tacos wafting from the slow cooker is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Grab your slow cooker and give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it!
Slow Cooker Beef Tacos: The EASIEST Recipe EVER!
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Tender, flavorful beef, cooked low and slow until it melts in your mouth, all nestled in warm tortillas. A guaranteed weeknight crowd pleaser!
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fatn1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)n1 teaspoon cuminn1 teaspoon chili powdern1/2 teaspoon smoked paprikan1/2 teaspoon garlic powdern1/2 teaspoon onion powdern1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)n1 cup beef brothn1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)n1 onion, choppedn2 cloves garlic, mincedn1 tablespoon apple cider vinegarn1 lime, juicednTortillas (corn or flour), for servingnToppings: shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, diced tomatoes, etc.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).nRub the spice mixture all over the beef chuck roast, ensuring it’s evenly coated.nPlace the chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker.nPlace the seasoned beef chuck roast on top of the onions in the slow cooker.nPour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes and green chilies. Add the minced garlic.nCover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.nOnce the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.nReturn the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir in the apple cider vinegar and lime juice. Let it simmer in the sauce for another 15–20 minutes to absorb the flavors.nWarm your tortillas according to package directions.nAssemble your slow cooker beef tacos! Fill each tortilla with shredded beef and add your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker, beef tacos, tacos, slow cooker beef
