Slow Cooker Shredded Beef

This Slow Cooker Shredded Beef is the perfect spicy-sweet go-to meal for when you need to bring that signature BBQ flavor indoors. Try it on nachos, sliders, baked potatoes, or grilled dogs!

Shredded beef over nachos, with salsa and sour cream on the side. The two bottles of Big Red are this recieps "secret" ingredient.

This Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef is the perfect tailgating meal, just like our Pull Apart BBQ Chicken Bread and Smoked Brisket BBQ Beans! We’re always up for a good crock pot recipe as these are a pretty low-maintenance and set-it-and-forget-it type of meal. It’s perfect for those who’d rather spend time having fun than be stuck by a grill all day long! All you need are a few simple ingredients, and you can whip up this flavorful beef recipe while you’re watching the game!

What Is Slow Cooker Shredded Beef?

Slow Cooker Shredded Beef slow cooks to perfection for hours in a crockpot for fall-apart tender beef that melts in your mouth! The key ingredient? Big Red Soda. That’s right. Using Big Red Soda is one of our favorite ways to cook this tough cut of meat because it imparts such an amazing flavor! After the meat is done slow cooking, we make a whopping pile of Mexican-style nachos topped with all your favorite toppings!

Layers of red onions, scallions, beans, and cheese smother the shredded beef at the center of these nachos.

Shredded Beef Ingredients

For the Shredded Beef:

Ketchup
Big Red Soda
Cider Vinegar
Hot Sauce
Liquid Smoke
Salt
Pepper
Cumin
Paprika
Cayenne
Ancho Chili Powder
Cooking Oil
Garlic
Onion
Chuck Roast – 2-pound roast

For the Nachos:

Tortilla Chips
Big Red Shredded Beef
Shredded Cheese
Jalapeno
Black Beans
Pickled Red Onion
Scallions
Guacamole
Sour Cream
Salsa

I've got nachos, guac, sour cream and a bottle of big red. What else do you need for a party!

How to Make Slow Cooker Pulled Beef

Making the Shredded Beef

First, let’s make the sauce. Grab a big bowl and whisk together the ketchup, Big Red Soda, cider vinegar, hot sauce, and a dash of liquid smoke. Once it’s all mixed up nicely, pour it into the slow cooker.

Now, in another bowl, let’s create a flavorful spice mix. Whisk together some salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Toss in some minced garlic and finely chopped onion.

Cover it with foil and pop it in the microwave for about 4 to 5 minutes until those onions are nice and tender. Once that’s done, add this flavorful mixture to the slow cooker with the sauce. Give it all a good stir.

Next, place your chuck roast right in the slow cooker with the saucy goodness.

Cover it up and let it cook on low heat. You’ll want to let it slow cook for about 5 to 7 hours until the beef gets super tender and practically falls apart.

When the beef is ready, take it out of the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it up. Then, put that shredded beef back into the slow cooker and give it a good toss with the sauce we made earlier.

Now, let’s make the nachos!

Making the Nachos

First, crank up your broiler to high and position the rack in the top-middle part of the oven.

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Next, layer some tortilla chips, shredded beef, and cheese. Keep stacking until you’ve used up all the tortilla chips.

Pop the whole thing in the oven and keep an eye on it. We want the cheese to melt and the chips to get a lovely golden hue.

Once it’s ready, be careful when you take it out. Quickly add jalapenos, beans, pickled red onions, and scallions. Don’t forget to top it off with dollops of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. Enjoy!

Girl Carnivore Expert Recipe Tips

Try mixing up your cheeses for different flavor combos!
Use sliced or pickled jalapeños, depending on your preference.
We use a beef chuck roast in this recipe but feel free to use a tri-tip roast or bottom round roast. Each is a good cut of beef, perfect for slow cooking for hours on end.
Want more topping options? Try some pico de Gallo, fresh cilantro, lime juice, or your favorite hot sauce!

What to Serve With This Shredded Beef Recipe

Eat the recipe as is, or serve it up alongside some refried beans, an Easy Grilled Corn Salad, or some Rajas Con Crema!

Leftovers & Reheating

Store leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the beef for up to 6 months.

To reheat:

Stovetop: Place leftover beef into a small pot and reheat on medium-low until heated.
Microwave: Place in a bowl or baking dish and reheat in 30-second increments until heated.

More Easy slow cooker Recipes for your CrockPot

Beef Recipes

Slow Cooker Birria

Poultry Recipes

Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot

Beef Recipes

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Dinner

Slow Cooker Italian Stuffed Peppers

This Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Roast will become your new favorite recipe for large crowds, whether you’re making it for the big game or dinner for the whole family! If you know you’re going to be having a busy day, whip out this great recipe and relax!

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Recipe FAQs

CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE LOW CARB?

Yes! Feel free to leave out the tortilla chips and let guests add them if they want!

CAN I USE FLOUR TORTILLAS OR HAMBURGER BUNS INSTEAD OF TORTILLA CHIPS?

Absolutely! If you’d rather make delicious shredded beef tacos or beef sandwiches, then have at it!

CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! Feel free to make this recipe the day before and serve it the next day! Just make sure to store your cooked beef in an airtight container until ready to serve. Then, pop it into the crock pot on warm or low until ready to serve!