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Easy Crock Pot Street Tacos

Easy Crock Pot Street Tacos

When you’re craving delicious, authentic-tasting street tacos but don’t have a lot of time, these Easy Crock Pot Street Tacos are your go-to solution. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into incredibly flavorful and tender meat, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that feels gourmet.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Simmering Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat
  • 1.5 - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pork shoulder pork shoulder is highly recommended for tenderness
Liquid and Seasoning Mixture
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained (like Ro-Tel)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder optional, for a little more heat
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Tortillas and Toppings
  • 12-16 small corn or flour tortillas street taco size
  • Chopped white onion
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa your favorite kind
  • Sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Queso fresco or crumbled cotija cheese
  • Diced avocado or guacamole
  • Shredded lettuce

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cutting Board
  • Large bowl
  • Two Forks
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Trim any excess fat from your pork shoulder or chicken thighs. If using pork shoulder, it's okay if there's some marbling; this contributes to the flavor and tenderness.
    1.5 - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pork shoulder
  2. Place the trimmed meat directly into your slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), chicken broth, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder (if using), and garlic powder.
    1.5 - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pork shoulder, 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth, 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  3. Pour the seasoned liquid mixture evenly over the meat in the slow cooker. Ensure the meat is somewhat submerged in the liquid. Season the top of the meat with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
    salt and freshly ground black pepper
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the meat cut. The meat is ready when it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
  5. Once cooked, carefully remove the meat from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat until it’s nice and stringy. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.
    1.5 - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pork shoulder
  6. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker with the cooking liquid. Stir well to combine. Taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let it simmer in the sauce for about 15-30 minutes on the WARM setting (if your slow cooker has one) or just let it rest covered while you prepare your toppings. This allows the meat to absorb even more flavor.
    salt and freshly ground black pepper
  7. While the meat rests, warm your tortillas. You can do this by heating them briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or directly over a low gas flame for a slight char.
    12-16 small corn or flour tortillas
  8. Spoon the tender, saucy shredded meat generously into the warmed tortillas.
    12-16 small corn or flour tortillas
  9. Get creative and add your chosen toppings to your Easy Crock Pot Street Tacos! Think chopped white onion for a sharp bite, fresh cilantro for herbaceousness, a squeeze of lime for brightness, your favorite salsa for heat, a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, crumbled queso fresco for salty richness, or diced avocado for a cool, buttery finish.
    Chopped white onion, Chopped fresh cilantro, Lime wedges, Salsa, Sour cream or Mexican crema, Queso fresco or crumbled cotija cheese, Diced avocado or guacamole, Shredded lettuce

Notes

Properly storing your delicious Easy Crock Pot Street Tacos will ensure you can enjoy them for days to come! The shredded meat mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shredded taco meat for up to 2-3 months.