Slow Cooker Bold Mexican Shredded Beef

This easy Slow Cooker Bold Mexican Shredded Beef is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. With tender beef simmered in a rich broth and spiced with cumin and chili powder, it’s simple to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, and Cotija cheese.

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Recipe Ingredients

1 large onion, diced
3 lbs (1.4kg) beef chuck roast
1 cup (240ml) beef broth
4 oz (120ml) Mexican-style tomato sauce, mild (or hot sauce for spicier)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp (8g) chili powder
1½ tsp (9g) salt
Tortilla shells, flour, or corn, for serving

Toppings:

Chopped cilantro
Sour cream
Cotija cheese (or other cheese)
Diced onion
Lime wedges

How To Make Slow Cooker Bold Mexican Shredded Beef

Prepare the Beef: Place the diced onion in a 6-quart (6-L) slow cooker and set the beef roast on top. Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
Shred the Beef: After cooking, use two forks to carefully shred the beef in the liquid.
Serve: Serve the shredded beef in tortillas with chopped cilantro, sour cream, Cotija cheese, diced onion, and lime wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

Use a fatty cut of beef: Choose a well-marbled chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness after slow cooking. The fat will melt into the dish, making the beef juicy and flavorful.
Season generously: Don’t be afraid to add extra salt, cumin, or chili powder to adjust the seasoning to your taste. The flavor will develop more as it cooks.
Shred while hot: Shred the beef while it’s still hot to ensure it absorbs more of the juices and stays moist.
Let the beef rest in the juices: After shredding, let the beef sit in the cooking liquid for a few minutes to soak up more flavor.
Customize toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or pickled jalapeños to give your dish a personal twist!

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but chuck roast is ideal for shredding due to its tenderness and fat content.

Can I Make This in Advance?

Yes, the beef can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

How Can I Make This Spicier?

Add more chili powder, a diced jalapeño, or hot sauce to adjust the heat level to your preference.

Can I Use a Pressure Cooker Instead of a Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can cook the beef in a pressure cooker for about 60-90 minutes on high pressure, depending on the size of the roast.

What Other Toppings Can I Use?

Try adding guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of fresh orange juice for added flavor.

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