↑

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Recipe Box
  • Buy my Digital Cookbook
  • About me
  • Contact Me
  • Free Slow Cooker Newsletter
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Beef » Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef

Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef

by Sarah Olson on March 16, 2022 | Updated October 2, 2022 14 Comments

4467 shares
  • 1756
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
long image of shredded beef for pinterest
Collage of mexican shredded beef with text of what ingredients are needed.
collage of mexican shredded beef images with text for pinterest

This fall-apart tender and flavorful Mexican shredded beef is several meals in one, making it an ideal go-to for any busy weeknight. The tender and slightly spicy beef is fall-apart tender and melts in your mouth.

A favorite thing to order at Mexican restaurants is shredded beef along with refried beans and rice! Now you can make it at home. If you want a chicken version, try my cilantro lime chicken recipe.

done cooking mexican shredded beef in slow cooker

Why this recipe works

If you’re looking for easy, put this recipe at the top of your list. It has one of the quickest preps and comes out to be delicious main course meat that can be used in multiple ways.

Meal preppers and planners rave about recipes that allow them to be flexible, and this one does just that. Because this recipe makes such a generous helping, you can have tacos one night and nachos for lunch the next day!

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for mexican shredded beef on a table
  • Beef Chuck Roast – Out of most cuts, this is the go-to when using a crock pot or slow cooker. As the meat cooks, the connective tissues begin to melt away, creating some of the most tender meat.
  • Beer – Any beer you like will do. This will help make the meat tender while adding the perfect combination of bitter and sweet to the overall dish. (You can also substitute beef broth or water.)
  • Stewed Tomatoes – Use the Mexican-flavored ones to add an extra kick to the dish.
  • Seasonings – As with any classic Mexican dish, you’ll use a combination of salt, pepper, cumin, cilantro, and jalapeno.
  • White Onion – Diced onion (that is sauteed) adds the perfect flavor to this shredded beef recipe.

Step-by-Step Directions

collage on browning chuck roast, sauteing oinions and adding other ingredients to slow cooker

Step One – Brown the chuck roast on all sides using a couple of tablespoons of cooking oil over medium-high heat. (Place it in the crockpot when finished.)

Step Two – Over the same heat (and adding a bit more oil), sauté the onions until translucent and aromatic. Once finished, add them on top of the meat.

Step Three – Add the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 9-10 hours.

images on shredded mexican beef and putting back in crockpot

Step Four – After cooking, remove the meat to a plate and shred. Be sure to remove any fat. 

Step Five – Add the meat back into the slow cooker, stir it and enjoy!

mexican shredded beef in slow cooker with 2 limes on top

Ways to use this beef:

  • Tamales – Make this traditional Mexican dish using this shredded Mexican beef and serve along with spicy pinto beans. Here is my favorite tamale recipe I use with this beef, I splash a touch of enchilada sauce on top of the beef before forming the tamales.
  • Beef Enchiladas – Whip up some tasty enchiladas by using corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and the slow cooker Mexican shredded beef. Bake until warmed through.
  • Burritos and Tacos – You can use tortillas, taco shells, or go for a burrito (or taco) bowl by layering the meat mixture with rice, pico de gallo, sour cream, and a splash of taco sauce.
  • Nachos – Create the tastiest nachos with this meat and all the toppings your prefer. We like to line a sheet pan with tortillas chips, add this beef, sprinkle over cheese then broil in the oven. Top with sour cream, diced onions and guacamole.
side view of mexican shreded beef in slow cooker

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different meat?

Although this recipe calls for meat, you can easily switch things up by using chicken (breast or thighs) and cooking it the same. Using chicken will cut back on cook time as well.

How can I make this dish spicy?

Chipotle pepper, cayenne pepper, or spicy diced green chiles are perfect additions to making the shredded beef spicy. Add a bit at a time until you’ve reached the desired spice level.

How long will the Mexican shredded beef last?

Stored leftovers in an airtight container will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, they will keep up to three months. When ready to reheat them, allow the leftovers to defrost thoroughly and warm them up on the stovetop (over medium-low heat).

2 tacos on a plate

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

mexican shredded beef in slow cooker with 2 limes on top

Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef

5 from 5 votes
This Mexican Shredded Beef is the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or even tamales.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 476kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 4 lbs. beef chuck roast
  • 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 1 cup white onion diced
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 15 oz. stewed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 jalapeño sliced (2 for extra spicy)
  • 1 cup beer beef broth or water can be substituted
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stove top
  • Once hot, add the cooking oil then brown the chuck roast on all sides.
  • Add the chuck roast to the slow cooker.
  • Add a little more oil to the pan and saute the onions until they are slightly brown then add them on top of the meat in the slow cooker.
  • Add remaining ingredients to the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 9-10 hours.
  • When the cooking time is done, remove the meat on to a plate and shred. Discard any fat.
  • Remove the fat from the slow cooker, but leave about a cup of juices, add the meat in back into the slow cooker in the reserved juice.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Prevent your screen from going dark

How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

Ways to use this beef:
  • Tamales – Make this traditional Mexican dish using this shredded Mexican beef and serve along with spicy pinto beans. Here is my favorite tamale recipe I use with this beef, I splash a touch of enchilada sauce on top of the beef before forming the tamales.
  • Beef Enchiladas – Whip up some tasty enchiladas by using corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, and the slow cooker Mexican shredded beef. Bake until warmed through.
  • Burritos and Tacos – You can use tortillas, taco shells, or go for a burrito (or taco) bowl by layering the meat mixture with rice, pico de gallo, sour cream, and a splash of taco sauce.
  • Nachos – Create the tastiest nachos with this meat and all the toppings your prefer. We like to line a sheet pan with tortillas chips, add this beef, sprinkle over cheese then broil in the oven. Top with sour cream, diced onions and guacamole.
How to store:
Stored leftovers in an airtight container will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, they will keep up to three months. When ready to reheat them, allow the leftovers to defrost thoroughly and warm them up on the stovetop (over medium-low heat).

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 476kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 595mg | Potassium: 913mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 178IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

Other shredded beef recipes for the slow cooker:

  • Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Philly Cheese Steaks
  • Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Sheet Tray Nachos
  • Slow Cooker Carne Asada
  • Slow Cooker Garlic Beef French Dips
  • Slow Cooker Mexican Bubble Up Casserole
  • Slow Cooker Beer and Ketchup Pot Roast

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!
    4467 shares
    • 1756

    Filed Under: Beef, Dinner

    Comments

    1. Rock says

      November 19, 2022 at 11:15 am

      How would you convey the time for an Instant pot? Any other changes

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 19, 2022 at 2:59 pm

        I don’t have times for an instant pot. I’m sure the time would be the same as a pot roast.

        Reply
    2. Mary Alice Garza says

      March 29, 2022 at 2:24 pm

      Send recipe

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 29, 2022 at 7:19 pm

        The recipe is right above this comment.

        Reply
    3. Mary Lambeth says

      May 18, 2021 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      I’m having trouble posting this question; sorry if it’s a duplicate. I need to make 8 cups of shredded beef. How many pounds of meat should I buy? Thanks so much!! I can’t wait to make your recipe.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        May 18, 2021 at 2:44 pm

        I would Do at least 6 pounds. It’s hard to say exactly because every roast has different fat content that gets discarded.

        Reply
        • Mary Lambeth says

          May 18, 2021 at 2:57 pm

          Thanks so much!

    4. Kim F. says

      March 20, 2021 at 9:28 am

      Would stewed tomatoes be the same as Rotel? It seems like there were little bits of green in the tomatoes when you poured them into the crockpot. It looks wonderful!

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 20, 2021 at 9:56 am

        Yes that will work great!

        Reply
    5. Susan Burney says

      February 16, 2018 at 6:19 am

      How do you remove the fat when the juice is still hot?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        February 16, 2018 at 11:39 am

        You let it sit for a minute after shredding. Lay a paper flat over the top and lift up, only the grease will lift up.

        Reply
      • Gloria A Peace-Strange says

        October 24, 2020 at 9:48 pm

        Use a metal ladle with ice cubes skim it across the top as the fat will adhere to the ladle

        Reply
    6. Mark Stifler says

      August 24, 2017 at 7:41 pm

      jalapenos is hot spicy chili from mexico ,right ???

      Reply
      • Chewy says

        January 7, 2018 at 12:52 pm

        Not really. Serrano and others are more notable Mexican peppers.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Photo of Sarah Olson holding a slow cooker

    Hello! I'm Sarah

    Welcome to The Magical Slow Cooker. Let me help you find recipes for your slow cooker that you'll enjoy!
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

    Slow Cooker Appetizers

    Cheesy corn dip on a chip.

    Slow Cooker Corn Dip

    ingredients for salsa in a crockpot.

    Slow Cooker Salsa

    Cooked bacon wrapped smokies in a slow cooker.

    Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

    Beer meatballs on a spoon in a crockpot.

    Slow Cooker Beer Meatballs

    cooked buffalo wings in the crockpot.

    Slow Cooker Buffalo Wings

    overhead shot of bean dip in slow cooker.

    Slow Cooker Velveeta Bean Dip

    Magical Cooker logo

    FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

    Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

      Most Popular Recipes

      peanut butter cake with spoon in it.

      Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake {Crockpot}

      Close up of cajun chicken fettuccine in slow cooker.

      Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

      close up of baked spaghetti in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti}

      close up of enchilada casserole

      Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

      close up photo of chicken, potatoes and green beans in slow cooker

      Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green beans

      cooked bang bang chicken in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken

      Featured on:

      Featured in BuzzFeed, The Kitchen, Popsugar, 12 Tomatoes, yummly, Today, and Country Living
      smaller magical slow cooker logo

      FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

        Privacy Policy  Nutritional Disclosure

        The Magical Slow Cooker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
        Copyright ©2023, The Magical Slow Cooker. All Rights Reserved.
        Design by Pixel Me Designs