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This is a picture of a plate of Slow Cooker Mexican Beef with a side of flour tortillas and a lime wedge.

Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Recipe

Slow Cooker Mexican Beef makes wonderfully tender shredded beef for tacos, nachos, burritos, bowls, and easy meal prep.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 317kcal
Author: Ruth Truett

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients

Spice Rub

  • 1½ tablespoon chili powder
  • 1½ tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 2 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

The Beef

  • 2-3 lb chuck roast
  • 1-2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • ¾ cup orange juice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, cut into chunks
  • 5-6 cloves garlic I leave the cloves whole and them smash them after cooking.
  • 2 bay leaves
  • juice of 1-2 limes
  • 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

The Spice Mix

  • Mix all of the dried herbs and spices together. Coat the outside of the chuck roast with the spice mix.

Searing

  • In a skillet on medium-high heat or using the high sauté function on your slow cooker, add a healthy drizzle of olive oil to the skillet and sear the seasoned beef on all sides.
  • Use the beef broth to deglaze the pan or slow cooker. If using a separate skillet, add this broth mixture to the slow cooker.

The Beef

  • Place the chuck roast into the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients.
  • Cook on low for 8 hours.
  • Shred the beef with a fork and enjoy!

Notes

Slow Cooker: 8 hours on low, 4-6 hours on high.
Instant Pot: High Pressure for 1 ½ hours. Natural release.
Dutch Oven: Follow instructions as above. 250° oven for 6-8 hours or until tender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 1280mg | Potassium: 816mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1274IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 5mg
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