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+ servings
Large crock pot full of shredded beef, ready to be used.
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4.34 from 15 votes

Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Beef

The easiest, dreamiest shredded beef made easy in the slow cooker! This fall-apart tender beef is perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 15 minutes
Course: Beef Main Dishes
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 8 to 12 Servings
Calories: 376kcal
Author: Julia

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Remove the chuck roast from its packaging, pat it dry with a paper towel, and cut it into many large chunks.
  • Heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat in a large cast iron skillet. Once sizzling hot, place the chunks of beef roast onto the hot surface of the skillet in a single layer (if need be, complete this step in two batches if there isn’t enough room in your skillet for all of the beef). Sear beef for 3 to 4 minutes on two sides.
    Large chunks of beef searing in a cast iron skillet
  • Transfer the seared beef to the crock pot, along with the remaining ingredients. Give everything a stir, then secure the lid on the crock pot.
    All of the ingredients for the barbacoa beef in a crock pot, ready to slow cook.
  • Cook on High heat for 4 hours or Low heat for 8 to 10 hours. While the beef slow cooks, you can prepare any side dishes or toppings you'll be using to serve alongside the beef.
    Cooked beef in a slow cooker with juices inside.
  • Transfer the beef to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it.
    Cutting board with shredded beef on top.
  • Place the shredded beef back into the crock pot with the juices and allow it to soak up the juices for at least 10 minutes.
    Horizontal image of a crock pot full of shredded beef.
  • Use the Mexican shredded beef for tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, tostadas, loaded nachos, taco salads, and more!

Notes

Include your choice of side dishes and toppings, like Homemade Spanish Rice or cauliflower rice, refried beans, homemade guacamole, salsa, sour cream, black beans, corn tortillas, chopped red onions, pico de gallo, etc.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For the best result, keep all of the juices with the meat rather than draining it.
Nutrition Facts are calculated based on 6 ounces of shredded beef only - not including any toppings or side dishes.

Nutrition

Serving: 6ounces | Calories: 376kcal | Protein: 56g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 1252mg