Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos

These crock pot pulled beef tacos are packed with flavor from the delicious cut of meat, beef broth, tangy orange juice, spicy tomatoes, onions, and Southwest seasonings. The beef is so tender due to the low and long cook time and the acidity from the other ingredients. Taco Tuesday will never be the same after you introduce your family to this shredded beef taco recipe.

If you enjoy making beef in the crock pot, you will love this Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn recipe, my Steak Bites with Garlic Butter, and this super easy 3 Packet Pot Roast!

Ingredients

• Chuck Roast: This cut of meat is ideal for the slow cooker because the fat renders down into the meat, making it more tender and flavorful with time. Sirloins and briskets would also work for this recipe, but may be less tender after cooking. Sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance the flavor of the meat.
• Beef Broth: Liquids are important for slow cooker recipes because they help the food to heat evenly and not burn over the long cook time. For a beef recipe, beef broth enhances the flavor of the meat and keeps it moist.
• Canned Tomatoes with Chiles: These spicy diced tomatoes add flavor, heat, and acidity to the shredded beef. Acidity helps tenderize the beef. Rotel is the most popular brand of spicy canned tomatoes, but you can use any canned tomatoes with chiles.
• Orange Juice: Sweet citrus juice enhances the flavor of the meat, and the acidity also helps break down the fat to make the perfect shredded beef. 
• Lime Juice: Lime is a signature flavor for Mexican and South American dishes. It adds brightness and a tart citrus zing.
• Onion and Garlic: Aromatics like onion and garlic cut through the richness of the beef and add a sharp complementary flavor. 
• Dried Seasonings: No taco filling is complete without an array of spices. For this recipe, use salt, pepper, chipotle powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. You may also substitute individual spices for a taco or Mexican-style seasoning blend.
• Tortillas: Grab your favorite brand of corn or flour tortillas to serve up these moist shredded beef tacos.
• Your Favorite Taco Toppings: Enjoy with your favorite toppings. Add cheese, lettuce, cilantro, fresh jalapenos, or anything your heart desires!

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Use Pork or Chicken: If you don’t care for beef or want to use a meat you have on hand instead, use pork or chicken and substitute chicken broth for beef broth. The pork will have a similar cook time, but chicken cooks in half the time. Slow cooker taco recipes are always a hit.
• Make It Spicy: Sliced jalapenos, canned adobo peppers, or hot sauce will add heat to your chuck roast tacos. Add the spicy ingredients at the beginning so they slow cook into your beef.
• Add More Vegetables: This recipe doesn’t have any vegetables aside from canned tomatoes, so you may want to add more. A can of black beans or pinto beans, chopped zucchini, corn, or diced peppers are great extra veggies that can cook right in the crock pot.
• Make Enchiladas, Burritos, and More: Don’t limit yourself to just tacos! This slow cooker shredded beef would make excellent burritos or enchiladas. You could even eat it by itself with a side of rice and beans.

Storage Directions

• Storing: Allow the beef to cool, then store leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the beef with the juices from the slow cooker for up to 2 months. Thaw the meat and juices in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat the shredded beef in a skillet over medium heat with a little beef broth. The broth helps the meat stay moist and tender. I don’t recommend reheating this in the microwave because it will dry out the meat.

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