Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef
Tender and flavorful Mexican-style shredded beef made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
- 3 lbs chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned.
- Place the roast in the slow cooker and add chopped onion and minced garlic.
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over the beef.
- Pour in lime juice, orange juice, and beef broth.
- Add diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir slightly to combine, coating the beef with the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is very tender and shreds easily.
- Remove beef from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix with the juices.
- Cook uncovered on low for an additional 20–30 minutes to let the flavors meld, if desired.
- Serve hot in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase cayenne or add chopped jalapeños.
- Can be made a day ahead; flavors improve overnight.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Great with fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, or pickled onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Mexican shredded beef, slow cooker beef, crockpot beef, beef tacos, shredded beef recipe