Slow Cooker Beef Burritos are an easy and flavorful way to make a hearty meal with minimal effort. The beef becomes tender and flavorful after simmering in the slow cooker, and you can customize the burritos with your favorite toppings and fillings. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Burritos!
Ingredients:
For the Slow Cooker Beef:
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2 lbs beef chuck roast (or stew meat for quicker cooking)
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
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1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for a little zing)
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the Burritos:
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10 large flour tortillas (or whole wheat, if preferred)
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2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or a combination)
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1 cup sour cream (optional, for garnish)
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Salsa (optional, for garnish)
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1 cup shredded lettuce (optional, for garnish)
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1 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
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Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
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Guacamole (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef for the Slow Cooker:
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Place the beef chuck roast (or stew meat) into the slow cooker.
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Sprinkle the taco seasoning, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper over the meat.
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Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, chopped onion, minced garlic, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high heat for 4-5 hours.
2. Shred the Beef:
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Once the beef is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should be very tender and easy to shred.
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Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it back into the juices. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on low to absorb the flavors.
3. Prepare the Burritos:
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Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a hot skillet for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
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Lay the tortillas flat and spoon a generous amount of the shredded beef mixture in the center of each tortilla.
4. Add Toppings:
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Top the beef with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, then add any other desired toppings like sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or guacamole.
5. Wrap the Burritos:
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Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly to form a burrito. Repeat for all tortillas.
6. Serve:
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Serve your beef burritos immediately, or you can place them seam-side down on a skillet or in the oven to crisp them up slightly if you prefer a crunchy exterior.
Tips & Variations:
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Add Rice and Beans: For a heartier burrito, add cooked rice or black beans to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
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Spicy Beef: If you like spicy burritos, add some diced jalapeños to the slow cooker or sprinkle some hot sauce on top of the burritos.
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Cheese Sauce: If you love cheese, you can drizzle some melted cheese sauce over the burritos before serving.
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Vegetarian Option: Use vegetarian crumbles or seasoned black beans instead of beef for a vegetarian version of these burritos.
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Make Ahead: The beef filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat and assemble your burritos when you’re ready to serve.
Slow Cooker Beef Burritos are the perfect meal for busy nights or feeding a crowd, as they’re easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Enjoy your hearty and satisfying burritos!