Smoky Crockpot Chipotle Shredded Beef Recipe for Taco Night

Beef lovers rejoice over this mouthwatering crockpot chipotle shredded beef that delivers bold, smoky flavors in every tender bite.

Slow cooking transforms tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth goodness with minimal effort.

The robust chipotle spices infuse deep, rich notes throughout the meat, creating an irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of heat and savory complexity.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality results straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.

The magic happens as the beef simmers gently, absorbing every hint of spice and developing incredible depth.

Serve this show-stopping protein in tacos, burritos, or over rice for a meal that sparks culinary excitement.

Crockpot Chipotle Shredded Beef That Melts In Mouth

• Craft a Hearty Meal: Packed with three different meats, this pie transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying dish that keeps everyone full and happy.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this Italian pie brings people together with its delicious blend of flavors and textures.
• Quick Assembly Magic: With straightforward steps and minimal prep, this recipe lets you create a restaurant-worthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy home cooks.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for different occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to weekend entertaining, this pie offers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need For Chipotle Shredded Beef

• Chuck Roast: A flavorful and tender cut of beef perfect for slow cooking and shredding.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory base flavor to the beef.

• Chipotle Peppers: Add smoky and spicy heat to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich, moist cooking liquid for the meat.
• Diced Tomatoes: Contribute moisture and slight acidity to the sauce.
• Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Chili Powder: Blend of spices that create a complex, Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the beef.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the rich meat flavors.

• Cilantro, Avocado, Lime Wedges: Fresh toppings that provide additional flavor and texture to the finished dish.

Instructions For Crockpot Chipotle Shredded Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Masterpiece

Select a juicy chuck roast and trim away any unwanted fat. Generously coat the entire surface with salt and pepper, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Foundation

Scatter finely chopped onions and minced garlic across the bottom of your slow cooker. Gently place the seasoned roast on top of this aromatic bed.

Step 3: Craft the Spicy Sauce

• Chopped chipotle peppers
• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Dried oregano
• Chili powder
• Fresh lime juice

Stir the ingredients until they become a harmonious blend of deliciousness.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour the vibrant sauce over the roast, making sure it’s completely covered.

Secure the lid and let the slow cooker work its magic. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 5-6 hours until the beef practically falls apart.

Step 5: Transform into Tender Shreds

Transfer the melt-in-your-mouth beef to a cutting board. Using two forks, pull the meat apart into succulent, tender strands.

Step 6: Final Flavor Fusion

Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker. Stir it into the rich sauce, allowing it to soak up all the incredible flavors.

Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes on warm setting to maximize flavor absorption.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Get creative with serving! Stuff into tacos, roll in burritos, pile over rice, or create a hearty salad topping.

Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, add creamy avocado slices, or squeeze fresh lime wedges for an extra flavor kick.

Details That Make Chipotle Shredded Beef Awesome

• Choose a well-trimmed chuck roast to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich, tender meat for maximum flavor.
• Adjust chipotle pepper amounts based on heat preference – start with less and add gradually to prevent overwhelming spiciness.
• Keep beef covered in liquid during slow cooking to ensure incredibly tender, juicy shredded meat that falls apart easily.
• Reserve some cooking liquid when serving to maintain moisture and enhance the deep, smoky chipotle taste in each bite.
• This versatile beef freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for quick future meals and busy weeknights.

Styles and Additions For Shredded Beef Tacos

• Pulled Pork Swap: Replace chuck roast with pork shoulder for a classic pulled pork version with same chipotle flavor profile.
• Chicken Alternative: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of beef for a lighter protein option, maintaining the spicy chipotle seasoning.
• Vegetarian Jackfruit Option: Substitute beef with young green jackfruit for a plant-based alternative that mimics meat's texture and absorbs chipotle sauce perfectly.
• Instant Pot Quick Version: Prepare the same recipe in an instant pot, reducing cooking time to 45-60 minutes while maintaining rich, deep flavors.

What Goes Well With Chipotle Shredded Beef

• Pair Spicy Chipotle Beef with Cool Margaritas: Classic lime margaritas balance the smoky heat of the beef, providing a refreshing counterpoint with their zesty citrus and smooth tequila notes.
• Complement with Mexican Street Corn: Creamy, tangy elote (Mexican street corn) offers a sweet and creamy side that perfectly offsets the spicy, rich shredded beef, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Match with Fresh Cilantro-Lime Slaw: A crisp, bright coleslaw with fresh cilantro and lime juice cuts through the beef's richness, adding a light, zingy texture that enhances the overall meal.

Shredded Beef: Best Tips for Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover shredded beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer beef to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Flat storage saves space in freezer.
• Place beef in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of broth or water. Cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm beef in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Why use chuck roast for this recipe?

Chuck roast is perfect because it has excellent marbling that breaks down during slow cooking, creating tender, flavorful meat that shreds easily and remains juicy.

• Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers. For milder flavor, remove the seeds from peppers or use less chipotle in adobo sauce.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your beef broth and spices are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

• What if I don't have all the spices?

You can substitute similar spices or use a pre-mixed Mexican seasoning blend. The key is maintaining a balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.

Crockpot Chipotle Shredded Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Slow-simmered crockpot chipotle shredded beef delivers rich, smoky flavors that dance across palates with Mexican-inspired zest. Tender meat melts in your mouth, promising a delicious culinary journey that satisfies deeply.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 to 4 pounds (1.4 to 1.8 kilograms) beef chuck roast

Aromatic Vegetables:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 to 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid Components:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Optional Ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the beef by meticulously trimming excess fat from the chuck roast and generously seasoning with salt and pepper on all surfaces.
2. Create a flavorful base in the crockpot by spreading diced onions and minced garlic across the bottom, then carefully positioning the seasoned roast on top.
3. Craft a robust sauce by whisking together chopped chipotle peppers, beef broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, and fresh lime juice until thoroughly combined.
4. Lavishly pour the sauce mixture over the roast, ensuring complete coverage. Cook on low temperature for 8-10 hours (or high for 5-6 hours) until meat becomes exceptionally tender and easily pulls apart.
5. Transfer the cooked roast to a cutting board and methodically shred the meat using two forks, pulling the beef into succulent, thin strands.
6. Reintroduce the shredded beef to the crockpot, gently folding it into the remaining sauce. Taste and refine seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chipotle peppers as desired.
7. Allow the beef to rest in the sauce for 10-15 minutes on warm setting, enabling deeper flavor absorption and ensuring optimal moisture.
8. Serve the chipotle-infused beef in versatile presentations like tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or salads, garnishing with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or zesty lime wedges.

Notes

• Select a well-marbled chuck roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor, ensuring the meat stays juicy during slow cooking.
• Adjust chipotle pepper amounts based on heat preference, starting with less and gradually adding more for controlled spiciness.
• For a leaner version, trim excess fat completely and use low-sodium beef broth to reduce overall calorie content.
• Consider making this recipe ahead of time, as flavors intensify when beef sits in sauce overnight, creating more complex taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 hours (on Low) or 5 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 311 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 456 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg