Effortless Crock Pot Street Tacos Recipe for Taco Night Magic

Craving an effortless Mexican-inspired street tacos recipe that practically cooks itself?

Slow cookers transform tough meat into tender, mouthwatering bites without constant monitoring.

Authentic flavors emerge from simple ingredients simmering gently throughout the day.

Busy home cooks adore this hands-off approach to creating restaurant-quality meals.

Succulent shredded meat becomes the star of your dinner table, promising smiles and second helpings.

Each bite transports you to vibrant street corners in Mexico, where culinary magic happens.

What Makes Crock Pot Street Tacos a Weeknight Win

• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combine bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika to transform ordinary steak into a mouthwatering street taco experience that will impress everyone at the table.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual weeknight meals, these street tacos adapt to any occasion and satisfy diverse taste preferences with customizable toppings.
• Hands-Off Convenience: Leverage the slow cooker's magic to create tender, juicy beef while you go about your day, making dinner preparation stress-free and incredibly simple.

Ingredients for Easy Crock Pot Street Tacos

• Steak: Tender and flavorful meat for the tacos.

• Garlic, Chili Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Cumin: Aromatic spice mix for deep flavor.

• Olive Oil: Rich and smooth coating for the meat.
• Lime Juice: Bright and zesty citrus flavor.
• Beef Broth: Savory liquid for cooking the meat.

• Cilantro, Onions: Fresh and traditional taco garnish.

• Mini Corn Tortillas: Small, authentic taco base.
• Butter: Rich ingredient for toasting tortillas.

• Optional Favorite Taco Toppings: Personal choice for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Street Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Place the steak in the slow cooker and gently coat with olive oil to ensure even seasoning and moisture.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Garlic
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground cumin

Rub the seasoning mixture thoroughly over the entire surface of the steak.

Step 3: Add Zesty Aromatics

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and diced onions over the seasoned steak.

Squeeze juice from one lime across the meat.

Pour beef broth around the steak to create a flavorful cooking liquid.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meat becomes tender and easily shreddable.

Step 5: Shred and Refresh

Remove the cooked steak and shred using two forks.

Squeeze the remaining lime juice over the shredded meat for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Step 6: Crisp the Tortillas

Melt butter in a large skillet or griddle.

Lightly fry mini corn tortillas until they become soft and slightly crispy, about 1 minute per side.

Step 7: Assemble Tasty Tacos

Allow tortillas to cool slightly.

Layer two tortillas per taco and top with the shredded beef.

Garnish with your favorite taco toppings.

Tips for Juicy Crock Pot Street Tacos

• Ensure even meat distribution by placing steak in the center of the crock pot, allowing consistent heat penetration and tender results.
• Let spice mixture sit on meat for 15-20 minutes before cooking to enhance deep, rich flavor absorption into the steak.
• Butter-frying creates crispy yet soft tortillas – heat skillet to medium and watch carefully to prevent burning while achieving perfect golden texture.
• Cooking on low heat for 6-8 hours breaks down meat fibers, creating incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth street taco beef with minimal effort.
• Swap beef for chicken or plant-based protein, and experiment with different spice combinations to match your dietary preferences and taste preferences.

Storing and Reheating Street Taco Leftovers

• Store leftover shredded beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the meat stays moist and fresh.
• Transfer cooled beef to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months for future quick meals.
• Warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying and maintain juiciness, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Place shredded beef in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Street Tacos

• Pair Zesty Street Tacos with Vibrant Companions
• Sip Mexican Street Margarita: Fresh lime margarita with salt rim perfectly complements the tangy beef tacos, balancing spicy and citrus notes.
• Enhance with Crisp Slaw Side: Crunchy cabbage slaw with cilantro and lime dressing adds refreshing texture and cuts through rich meat flavors.
• Boost with Smoky Beer Pairing: Dark Mexican lager or amber ale provides robust backdrop that matches the deep, complex spices in the slow-cooked beef.
• Finish with Cool Avocado Crema: Creamy avocado sauce with hint of lime and cilantro creates smooth contrast to the spicy, tender meat.

Variants for Street Tacos You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace corn tortillas with gluten-free corn tortillas or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap beef with jackfruit or plant-based meat alternatives, using similar spice blend for authentic flavor.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or increase chili powder for a more intense heat profile in the meat mixture.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use reduced-sodium beef broth and eliminate added salt, replacing with fresh herbs like oregano for enhanced taste.

FAQs

• What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Flank steak or chuck roast are ideal for slow cooking, as they become tender and easily shredded after long cooking times.

• Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?

You can use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot in the oven at 325°F for the same cooking duration, ensuring low and slow cooking.

• How spicy are these street tacos?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and cumin. You can adjust heat by adding more chili powder or including jalapeños if you want more kick.

• Do I need to marinate the steak before cooking?

No marinating is needed. The spice rub and lime juice provide enough flavor during the slow cooking process, making it a quick and easy recipe.

Easy Crock Pot Street Tacos Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Street tacos deliver a spirited Mexican culinary journey right to your kitchen. Slow-cooked tender meat, zesty seasonings, and fresh toppings create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) flank steak
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 fresh limes (juiced)
• 1/2 white onion (chopped)
• 1 bundle cilantro (chopped)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup (57 g) butter
• 24 mini corn tortillas

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Instructions

1. Marinate the steak by coating it with olive oil and a robust blend of garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cumin directly in the crock pot.
2. Enhance the meat’s flavor profile by sprinkling chopped cilantro, diced onions, and freshly squeezed lime juice over the seasoned steak.
3. Gently pour beef broth around the meat to ensure moisture and tenderness during slow cooking.
4. Slow cook the steak on low temperature for 6-8 hours or accelerate the process on high heat for 3-4 hours until meat becomes exceptionally tender.
5. Once cooked, carefully shred the beef using two forks, allowing the meat to absorb the remaining lime juice for added zest.
6. Prepare the tortillas by melting butter in a large skillet or griddle, briefly frying each mini corn tortilla until soft and slightly crispy.
7. Allow tortillas to cool momentarily, creating a stable base for assembling tacos.
8. Layer the shredded beef onto the warm tortillas, creating a double-tortilla foundation for structural integrity and enhanced flavor.
9. Customize your street tacos with preferred toppings like salsa, fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of additional lime juice.

Notes

• Tenderize meat by massaging spices thoroughly into the steak, ensuring deep flavor penetration before slow cooking.
• Create extra moisture by adding a splash of beer or additional beef broth if the meat seems dry during cooking process.
• Switch protein options easily by substituting steak with chicken, pork, or jackfruit for vegetarian alternatives while maintaining similar seasoning ratios.
• Boost tortilla texture by briefly toasting them on a dry skillet after buttering for enhanced crispness and authentic street taco experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg