Slow Cooker Pot Roast Tacos (Print)

Juicy shredded beef, savory toppings, and warm tortillas combine for a flavorful Tex-Mex feast everyone will love.

# Components:

→ Beef & Marinade

01 - 3 pounds beef chuck roast
02 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt
03 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
05 - 1 large yellow onion, sliced
06 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 2 cups beef broth
08 - 1 can diced tomatoes (15 ounces), with juices
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
10 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Tacos & Garnishes

15 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas
16 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
17 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
18 - 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
19 - 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
20 - 1/2 cup sliced pickled red onions (optional)
21 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Pat chuck roast dry and season on all sides with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef for 3 to 4 minutes per side until evenly browned.
03 - Place seared beef in slow cooker. Scatter sliced onion and minced garlic over the meat.
04 - In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. Pour mixture over beef in the slow cooker.
05 - Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender and shreds easily.
06 - Transfer beef to a cutting board and shred using two forks, discarding excess fat. Skim fat from slow cooker liquid, then return shredded beef, stirring to moisten thoroughly.
07 - Heat tortillas according to package instructions or toast briefly in a dry skillet.
08 - Fill each warm tortilla with shredded beef. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, cheese and pickled onions if using, finishing with a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses affordable beef chuck for crowd-pleasing richness
  • Weeknight-friendly with hands-off slow cooker cooking
  • Easily customized with endless toppings and gluten-free or dairy-free swaps
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day lunches
02 -
  • High in protein for a satisfying main dish
  • Great for make-ahead meal prep and leftovers freeze well
  • Welcomes both gluten-free and dairy-free tweaks
03 -
  • Always sear the beef deeply before slow cooking. That browning is pure flavor
  • Taste your braising liquid before adding the beef and adjust the spices if needed
  • Warm tortillas right before serving so they are pillowy soft and do not break apart

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