Description
This Crockpot Chipotle Shredded Beef recipe is a flavorful and tender slow-cooked chuck roast infused with smoky chipotle peppers, aromatic spices, and a zesty lime finish. Perfect for tacos, burritos, sliders, or hearty rice bowls, it delivers rich Mexican-inspired taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 3–4 pounds chuck roast
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sautéing Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Chipotle Sauce and Spices
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Liquids
- 1½ cups beef broth
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Season and sear the beef: Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until nicely browned, about 2–3 minutes per side, to lock in flavor.
- Combine ingredients in the crockpot: Transfer the seared roast to the crockpot. Add diced onion, minced garlic, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and beef broth. Stir gently around the meat to incorporate the flavors without disturbing the roast too much.
- Slow cook the beef: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred and finish: Remove the roast from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot, stir it into the sauce, then add the lime juice and mix thoroughly to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy the shredded beef in tacos, burritos, rice bowls, sliders, or over creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers based on your preferred spice level.
- This shredded beef freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor boost at the end.
- Make sure to sear the beef before slow cooking to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
