Description
The perfect balance of bold flavors and tender meat, these Crock Pot street tacos will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico. Effortless, delicious, and versatile—ideal for any taco lover!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chuck roast (or pork shoulder/chicken thighs)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- Corn tortillas (or flour, if preferred)
- Fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the meat: Trim excess fat from the meat. Mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and salt in a small bowl. Rub the mixture over the meat to coat evenly.
- Marinate: Squeeze lime juice over the meat, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Set up the Crock Pot: Place the meat in the Crock Pot. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and broth. Pour any remaining marinade over the meat.
- Cook: Set the Crock Pot to low and cook for 6–8 hours, or on high for 4–5 hours, until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
- Shred the meat: Remove the meat and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the Crock Pot and stir to soak in the juices. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas in a skillet until soft and slightly charred, or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds.
- Assemble tacos: Add a generous serving of shredded meat to each tortilla. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime. Optional: Add salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.
Notes
- Marinating is Key: Allowing the meat to marinate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) ensures the spices and lime juice deeply penetrate, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Don’t skip this step for the best taste!
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking the meat on low heat for 6–8 hours in the Crock Pot breaks down tough fibers, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat. For time-saving, the high setting (4–5 hours) is a good alternative but may slightly reduce tenderness.
- Warm Tortillas Make a Difference: Always heat your tortillas before assembling tacos. This prevents them from breaking and enhances their flavor, making your tacos taste more authentic and enjoyable.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours