Crock Pot Street Tacos Recipe
Introduction
These Crock Pot Street Tacos offer tender, flavorful shredded beef with a perfect blend of spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, they make an easy and satisfying meal that brings a taste of authentic street food right to your kitchen.

Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, salsa, crumbled queso fresco
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast for about 3 minutes on each side until browned to lock in flavor.
- Step 3: Transfer the seared beef to your crock pot.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this spice mix evenly over the beef in the crock pot.
- Step 5: Pour beef broth and lime juice over the seasoned beef.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and shreds easily.
- Step 7: Remove beef from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
- Step 8: Return shredded beef to the crock pot to soak in the juices for 15-20 minutes.
- Step 9: Warm corn tortillas according to package instructions.
- Step 10: Assemble tacos by placing a generous amount of shredded beef on each tortilla.
- Step 11: Add optional toppings such as diced onions, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, salsa, and crumbled queso fresco.
- Step 12: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious street tacos!
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth of flavor, add a diced jalapeño to the crock pot along with the spices.
- Substitute beef broth with chicken broth if preferred for a lighter taste.
- Use flour tortillas if corn tortillas are not available, though traditional street tacos usually use corn.
- Leftover shredded beef works great as a filling for burritos or quesadillas.
Storage
Store leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Tortillas are best warmed fresh but can be wrapped in foil and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook this recipe without searing the beef first?
Searing the beef adds extra flavor and a nice crust, but you can skip this step if short on time. The beef will still be tender and delicious after slow cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the beef, then cooking on high pressure for about 60 minutes, followed by a natural release.
PrintCrock Pot Street Tacos Recipe
These Crock Pot Street Tacos feature tender, flavorful beef chuck roast slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of Mexican spices, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. Served on warm corn tortillas with optional classic toppings, they make for an easy and authentic taco night with minimal hands-on effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes to 10 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Corn tortillas
Optional Toppings
- Diced onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced radishes
- Salsa
- Crumbled queso fresco
Instructions
- Season the beef: Season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper on both sides, ensuring a balanced flavor base before cooking.
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast for about 3 minutes per side until browned. This step locks in the meat’s flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Transfer to crock pot: Place the seared beef into the crock pot, preparing for slow cooking.
- Mix spices: In a small bowl, combine cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create a spice rub.
- Season the beef in crock pot: Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the beef in the crock pot.
- Add liquids: Pour beef broth and lime juice over the seasoned beef to enhance moisture and tanginess during cooking.
- Slow cook the beef: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
- Shred the beef: Remove the beef from the crock pot and shred it using two forks for perfect taco filling texture.
- Soak shredded beef: Return the shredded beef to the crock pot to soak in the juices for an additional 15-20 minutes, intensifying flavor.
- Warm tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas according to package instructions to ensure softness and pliability.
- Assemble tacos: Place a generous amount of shredded beef onto each warm tortilla.
- Add toppings and serve: Top the tacos with optional diced onions, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, salsa, and crumbled queso fresco. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor and texture significantly.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Cook time may vary depending on your crock pot model and beef thickness.
- Leftover shredded beef can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Warm tortillas just before serving to prevent them from drying out.
Keywords: Crock Pot, Street Tacos, Beef Tacos, Slow Cooker Recipe, Mexican Street Food, Easy Dinner, Shredded Beef

