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Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Tacos By Tessies Table.

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Tacos

Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Tacos made with tender shredded beef, topped with coleslaw and fresh herbs. A simple, flavor-packed dinner that’s great for busy nights or feeding a crowd.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Tex Mex
Servings 6
Calories 456 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the BBQ Beef:

  • 2.5 lb chuck shoulder roast
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for spice
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup beef broth or water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

  • 10 –12 small tortillas corn or flour
  • 2 cups coleslaw
  • ½ cup pickled jalapeños optional
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Instructions
 

  • Season the chuck roast with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne if using, salt, and pepper.
  • Optional: heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until browned.
  • Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar.
  • Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
  • Remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker with the juices.
  • Stir in the BBQ sauce and cook on low for another 30 minutes, until the flavors meld.
  • Warm the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until soft and pliable.
  • Fill each tortilla with BBQ beef.
  • Top with coleslaw, pickled jalapeños if using, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

 
Let the beef cook long enough: If the beef isn’t shredding easily, it just needs more time. Cooking it low and slow is what gives you that tender shredded BBQ beef that works so well in tacos.
Mix the beef back into the sauce: Once shredded, stir it back into the BBQ sauce so it stays juicy and flavorful. This step makes a big difference.
Warm your tortillas: A quick heat in a dry pan makes them softer and easier to work with. It also helps bring out the flavor a bit more than just microwaving.
Add something fresh and crunchy: Coleslaw, cilantro, or even a bit of salsa helps balance out the richness of the BBQ beef.
Keep it simple when assembling: Don’t overload the tacos. A good layer of beef with a few toppings works best and keeps everything from falling apart.

Nutrition

Calories: 456kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 38gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 1001mgPotassium: 903mgFiber: 3gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 1041IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 5mg
Keyword BBQ, Cinco De Mayo, Party Food, Summer
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