This easy Slow Cooker Beef Nachos recipe is made with tender beef chuck roast, your favorite salsa, fresh red onions, creamy avocado, and cilantro. The result is a savory and incredibly flavorful appetizer with perfectly shredded beef. This dish is perfect for game day or a fun family dinner, making enough to serve a hungry crowd.
Jump to RecipeSlow Cooker Beef Nachos Ingredients
- 121 pounds beef chuck roast
- 3 cups salsa
- 12 soft taco-size tortillas
- Canola oil, for shallow frying
- 41 cup diced red onions
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 21 cup cilantro sprigs
- Sliced jalapeños, to serve
- Lime wedges, to serve
How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Nachos
- Slow cook the beef: Place the beef chuck roast in your slow cooker and pour the salsa over it. Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or until the beef is very tender and pulls apart easily with forks.
- Shred the beef: Carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker, leaving the salsa mixture behind. Use two forks to shred the beef into fine pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the salsa.
- Make the tortilla chips: While the beef cooks, cut the tortillas into quarters to make triangles. In a large, deep skillet, heat about an inch of canola oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the tortilla triangles for 1 to 2 minutes, flipping once, until they are golden brown and crisp. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Assemble and serve the nachos: Arrange the freshly fried tortilla chips on a large platter. Top each chip with a spoonful of the shredded beef mixture, some diced red onions, a slice of avocado, and a few cilantro sprigs. Serve immediately with sliced jalapeños and fresh lime wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips
- Choose Your Salsa Wisely: The salsa acts as both the cooking liquid and the primary source of flavor for the beef. Pick a high-quality salsa that you love, whether it’s mild, medium, or hot, to ensure the best taste.
- Fry Chips in Batches: To get perfectly crispy homemade chips, do not overcrowd the skillet. Frying them in small batches ensures the oil temperature stays high and the chips cook evenly instead of steaming.
- A Lighter Chip Option: If you prefer not to fry, you can bake your tortilla chips. Lightly brush the tortilla wedges with oil, season with a pinch of salt, and bake at 400∘F (200∘C) for 6-8 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Make the Beef Ahead: The shredded beef is a perfect make-ahead component. You can cook it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before assembling the nachos.
What To Serve Beef Nachos
These savory beef nachos are delicious as is, but they are even better with extra toppings. Serve them with a side of sour cream or Mexican crema for a cool, creamy contrast. A bowl of fresh pico de gallo or guacamole adds brightness. For a cheesier version, sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese over the beef and melt it under the broiler for a minute before adding the fresh toppings.
How To Store Beef Nachos Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Do not store assembled nachos, as the chips will become soggy. Instead, store the shredded beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store leftover chips in a sealed bag at room temperature.
- Freeze: The shredded beef freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Slow Cooker Beef Nachos Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 30g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought tortilla chips? Yes, absolutely! To save time, you can use your favorite brand of store-bought tortilla chips instead of frying your own. Look for a sturdy variety that can hold up to the hearty beef topping.
- Can I add cheese to these nachos? Of course! To make cheesy nachos, place your chips on a baking sheet, top with the warm shredded beef, and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese like cheddar or a Mexican blend. Broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then add the fresh toppings.
- What is the best cut of beef for this recipe? Beef chuck roast is the ideal choice because its fat and connective tissue break down during slow cooking, making the meat incredibly tender and easy to shred. A brisket or bottom round roast would also work well.
- How can I make this dish spicier? To increase the heat, use a hot salsa in the slow cooker. You can also add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of chipotle powder to the slow cooker along with the beef.
Try More Recipes:
- Slow-Cooker Beef Stew With Noodles Recipe
- Slow-Cooker Beef and Bok Choy Recipe
- Slow Cooker Beef Paprikash Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Nachos Recipe
Course: Beef6
servings20
minutes4
hours465
kcalEasy Slow Cooker Beef Nachos feature incredibly tender beef chuck roast shredded in a zesty salsa. Served on homemade crispy tortilla chips and topped with fresh avocado, red onion, and cilantro, it’s the perfect dish for game day or any party.
Ingredients
121 pounds beef chuck roast
3 cups salsa
12 soft taco-size tortillas
Canola oil, for shallow frying
41 cup diced red onions
1 avocado, sliced
21 cup cilantro sprigs
Sliced jalapeños, to serve
Lime wedges, to serve
Directions
- Cook the beef: Place the beef and salsa in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours until the beef is very tender. Remove the beef, shred it with two forks, and return it to the salsa mixture in the slow cooker.
- Fry the tortilla chips: Cut the tortillas into quarters. Heat about an inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tortilla wedges in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble: Top each freshly fried tortilla chip with the shredded beef, diced red onions, sliced avocado, and cilantro sprigs. Serve immediately with jalapeños and lime wedges on the side.
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