Recipe Video: Watch How to Make Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Burritos

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Slow Cooker Beef Burritos

For the Flavor-Packed Beef Filling:

• London Broil roast. This lean cut becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked, making it ideal for shredding. As mentioned, chuck roast, flank steak, or top/bottom round are excellent substitutes, each offering a slightly different fat content and flavor profile.
• Onion. A large yellow onion, finely chopped, provides a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth to the beef. White onions can also be used for a slightly sharper flavor.
• Garlic cloves. At least four cloves are recommended for robust flavor, but garlic lovers might even double this amount! Freshly minced garlic is always superior to jarred for intensity.
• Black Pepper. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent kick and is always worth the small effort for superior taste.
• Apple cider vinegar. This secret ingredient is key for tenderizing the meat and adding a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor profile of the slow cooker beef.
• Tomato sauce. Forms a rich, savory base for the braising liquid, infusing the beef with a comforting, slightly acidic note.
• Jalapeño. Adds a mild to moderate heat and a fresh, peppery flavor. Remember to adjust the quantity (and whether you remove seeds and membranes) to match your family’s heat tolerance. For a spicier kick, consider leaving some seeds or adding an extra jalapeño.
• Chili powder. The right blend of chili powder is essential for authentic Tex-Mex flavor. Investing in a good quality blend will provide a much richer, more complex depth of flavor than generic options.
• Non-stick cooking spray. Essential for preventing the beef from sticking to the slow cooker insert, making cleanup a breeze.

Delicious Add-ins and Garnishes for Your Burrito Bar:

One of the best parts about making slow cooker beef burritos is the ability to customize them. Set up a vibrant burrito bar with these fresh and flavorful additions:

• Large burrito-sized flour tortillas. Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping. Or, for a gluten-free and lighter option, serve with rice for delightful burrito bowls.
• Sour cream. Adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the savory beef. Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative.
• Shredded cheddar cheese. A classic choice for its meltability and familiar flavor. Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or Colby Jack also work wonderfully.
• Diced tomato. Fresh, juicy tomatoes add a burst of freshness and color.
• Salsa. Choose your favorite – mild, medium, or hot – to complement the beef. Pico de gallo is also a fantastic option.
• Black beans. Rinsed and drained, they add protein, fiber, and an earthy texture. Pinto beans are another great choice.
• Shredded lettuce. Provides a refreshing crunch and lightens the burrito.
• Diced green onion. Offers a mild oniony bite and bright color.
• Jalapeño slices. For those who love an extra punch of heat and flavor.
• Fresh cilantro. A must-have for authentic Mexican flavor; its bright, herbaceous notes perfectly balance the richness of the beef.
• Anything else your crew loves! Don’t hesitate to add guacamole, sliced avocado, corn, pickled red onions, or hot sauce to personalize your burrito experience.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities of the main ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time for Tender Beef Burritos

One of the many advantages of slow cooker recipes is the minimal hands-on time required. You’ll need approximately ten minutes to chop and prepare all the ingredients before they go into the slow cooker. This includes dicing the onion and jalapeño, and mincing the garlic. The majority of the work is done by your appliance! Cooking time will vary depending on your specific crockpot’s heat settings and efficiency. Generally, expect 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. Once the beef is fall-apart tender, shredding the meat takes about another ten minutes. After shredding, the beef returns to the slow cooker for an additional 30 minutes to allow it to fully absorb the flavorful juices, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious. This final simmer ensures the shredded beef is perfectly coated and infused with all the rich seasonings.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Slow Cooker Beef Burritos

Making these slow cooker beef burritos is incredibly straightforward, allowing you to achieve perfectly tender, flavorful shredded beef with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying meal:

First, begin your prep by dicing the jalapeño (remember to remove seeds and membranes for less heat), chopping the onion into fine pieces, and mincing the garlic (1). Next, ensure your slow cooker is ready by spraying the inside generously with non-stick cooking spray (2). Carefully place the London Broil roast into the prepared slow cooker (3). Then, pour the entire can of tomato sauce evenly over the top of the roast (4).

Now it’s time to add the aromatic foundation to your slow cooker beef. Add the prepared jalapeño, chopped onion, minced garlic, and the apple cider vinegar around the roast (5). Sprinkle in the chili powder and freshly ground black pepper (6). Using a spoon or spatula, gently stir the mixture around the roast, ensuring all the ingredients are well distributed and the beef is partially submerged in the flavorful sauce (7 & 8). This initial stir ensures an even distribution of spices and aromatics for a perfectly seasoned slow cooker beef burrito filling.

Cover your slow cooker with the lid (9) and let the magic happen! Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The precise timing will depend on your appliance and the cut of meat, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking window. Once the beef is incredibly tender and easily pierced with a fork, carefully remove the roast from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture. After resting, shred the meat using two forks or meat claws, then return the succulent shredded beef to the slow cooker (10). Stir it well to ensure every strand is coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. Continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes. This final simmer allows the shredded beef to fully absorb the remaining liquid and flavors, making it even more delicious for your slow cooker beef burritos.

✨ Pro Tip: Softening Tortillas for Easy Rolling ✨

For burritos that are easy to fold and won’t tear, lightly warm your tortillas. Stack a few tortillas, dampen a paper towel, and place it over them. Microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This simple step makes the tortillas pliable and much easier to work with, ensuring your slow cooker beef burritos stay perfectly wrapped.

✨ Pro Tip: Handling Jalapeños Safely ✨

When dicing or seeding jalapeños, always wear plastic gloves. The capsaicin (the compound that makes peppers spicy) can easily transfer to your skin and cause irritation if you accidentally touch your eyes or face. This is also a smart way to reuse clean plastic produce bags from the grocery store – a small step for safety and sustainability!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Beef Burritos

Dietary Adaptations for Your Slow Cooker Burritos

This slow cooker beef burrito recipe is wonderfully adaptable to various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor:

Gluten-free. Making these burritos gluten-free is simple: just swap out traditional flour tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas or your preferred brand of gluten-free flour tortillas. When choosing tortillas, always double-check labels, as many low-carb tortillas are not necessarily gluten-free.

Vegetarian. For a delicious vegetarian version, substitute the beef with hearty plant-based proteins. Black beans, kidney beans, or lentils are excellent choices. If using canned beans, ensure they are thoroughly rinsed and drained. Remember to significantly reduce the cooking time, as plant-based proteins do not require the same long slow-cooking period as beef to become tender. You’ll simply need enough time for the flavors to meld together.

Seasoned Crockpot Beef Burritos

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