Shredded Beef Burrito Filling

Make your next office party a taco bar or burrito bar! Set out the beef in the slow cooker on warm, along with tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and chopped lettuce, jalapenos, onions, and tomatoes. For a variation, I make Beef & Bean burritos by mixing a can of refried beans into 3 or 4 cups of cooked beef filling.

Shredded Beef Burrito Filling
Shredded Beef Burrito Filling

Make your next office party a taco bar or burrito bar! Set out the beef in the slow cooker on warm, along with tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and chopped lettuce, jalapenos, onions, and tomatoes. For a variation, I make Beef & Bean burritos by mixing a can of refried beans into 3 or 4 cups of cooked beef filling.

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 12
  • Carbohydrate 0.756156237304847 g
  • Cholesterol 134.187742791667 mg
  • Fat 39.2570055631064 g
  • Fiber 0.288264866160603 g
  • Protein 32.6940238303996 g
  • Saturated Fat 14.9846102947822 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 serving (198g)
  • Sodium 152.350510417777 mg
  • Sugar 0.467891371144245 g
  • Trans Fat 4.52595167729562 g
  • Calories 494 calories

Step-by-step

  • In a 6-qt. slow cooker, combine beef and broth. Cook, covered, on low until meat is tender, 6-8 hours.
  • Remove meat; discard juices. When cool enough to handle, shred with two forks. Return to slow cooker.
  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and jalapenos; cook and stir until softened, 3-4 minutes.
  • Add garlic and seasonings; cook 1 minute longer.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes and salsa; bring to a boil.
  • Pour mixture over shredded beef; stir to combine.
  • Cook, covered, on high until heated through, about 1 hour.
  • Using tongs, serve on tortillas for burritos or tacos; add toppings as desired.
  • Freeze option: Freeze cooled meat mixture in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally.

My Go-To Shredded Beef Burrito Filling: A Weeknight Winner

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house in order, a simple, yet flavorful recipe is a lifesaver. That's why my go-to shredded beef burrito filling has become a staple in our household. It's incredibly versatile, easily customizable, and most importantly, it tastes amazing! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests at a casual gathering. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It’s incredibly easy to tailor it to your taste preferences and what you have on hand. I often add a can of refried beans for extra heartiness, or experiment with different types of salsa – sometimes fiery chipotle, sometimes milder tomatillo. The topping options are endless too. My kids love it piled high with shredded cheese and sour cream, while my husband prefers a simpler approach with just a little salsa and some chopped cilantro. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for building your own burrito bar!

Why this recipe is a winner:

  • Simplicity: Minimal chopping and prep work involved.
  • Flavor: The combination of spices creates a delicious and complex flavor profile.
  • Versatility: Use it in burritos, tacos, quesadillas, or even as a filling for baked potatoes.
  • Make-ahead friendly: It freezes beautifully, making meal prep a breeze.

The secret to its success? It's all about the slow cooking process. The beef simmers gently in the slow cooker, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that shreds effortlessly. The combination of chili powder, cumin, and other spices creates a rich and savory base, while the addition of crushed tomatoes and salsa provides a delicious tang.

Beyond the weekday convenience, this recipe is also a fantastic option for entertaining. Setting up a burrito bar is always a fun way to feed a crowd, especially for casual gatherings. Imagine the scene: a warm slow cooker bubbling away, a spread of colorful toppings, and everyone customizing their own perfect burrito. It’s a guaranteed hit!

I often make a large batch on the weekend and freeze portions for quick weeknight meals. Just thaw overnight and heat through in a skillet. It’s as simple as that! This saves me so much time and energy during the busy week, allowing me to focus on the things that truly matter.

This isn't just a recipe; it's a time-saver, a flavor enhancer, and a stress reducer all rolled into one. So, ditch the takeout menus and try this recipe. You won't regret it. Let me know in the comments how your own burrito bar creation turned out!

Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Get creative and try adding things like guacamole, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a lighter option.