Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Beef Burritos Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and effortless meal, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Beef Burritos recipe. It’s perfect for busy days when I want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; I just add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work. The beef becomes tender and flavorful while I go about my day.
Plus, it’s versatile—everyone can customize their burritos with their favorite toppings. I love serving these with fresh salsa and chopped greens, making it a crowd-pleaser.
This dish not only satisfies my taste buds but also makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me; you’ll want to try this!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Beef Burritos
When it comes to whipping up a satisfying meal that practically makes itself, the ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Burritos are key. The beauty of this dish lies in its combination of flavors and textures, all coming together with minimal effort. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can transform a few simple ingredients into a hearty meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests.
Plus, you can customize each burrito to suit everyone’s taste. Let’s explore what you’ll need to gather for this delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb London broil beef
- 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 chopped garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 (4 1/2 ounce) can chopped green chilies
- 1 (16 ounce) can fat-free refried beans
- 12 8-inch fat-free flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 1/2 cups chopped plum tomatoes
- 3/4 cup nonfat sour cream
Now, here’s something to chew on (pun intended): while the recipe calls for fat-free options like tortillas and sour cream, don’t hesitate to use full-fat versions if that’s what you love.
After all, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, right? If you have a preference for a different cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack, go for it. And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some extra spices or even a splash of hot sauce to jazz things up.
This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to let your culinary creativity shine. Just remember, the more you enjoy the process, the better your burritos will taste!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Burritos
Making Slow Cooker Beef Burritos is like orchestrating a delicious symphony with minimal effort, and trust me, your kitchen will be the concert hall. First things first, grab a 2 lb London broil beef. This is your star ingredient, so make sure it looks good—no weird bits, please. Trim off any excess fat, then rub a 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package of taco seasoning mix all over both sides of the meat. It’s like giving your beef a flavorful hug.
Now, spray your slow cooker with some cooking spray to prevent any sticking disasters. Place the seasoned meat right in there alongside 1 cup of chopped onion, 2 chopped garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and a 1 (4 1/2 ounce) can of chopped green chilies. Cover it all up with a lid and let it work its magic on the low-heat setting for about 9 hours. Yes, you read that right—9 hours of hands-off bliss.
Once the beef is tender and practically begging to be shredded, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Don’t forget to reserve that cooking liquid; it’s liquid gold. Using two forks, shred the beef like it’s your job. Combine it with the reserved liquid to keep it juicy—nobody likes dry burritos.
While your beef is having its moment, warm up a 16-ounce can of fat-free refried beans and 12 8-inch fat-free flour tortillas according to package directions. Now, here’s where the fun begins. Spread 2 tablespoons of those warm beans down the center of each tortilla. Spoon a heaping 1/3 cup of that glorious meat mixture right on top, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, followed by 2 tablespoons of chopped plum tomatoes, and a dollop of 1 tablespoon of nonfat sour cream.
Roll them up tightly, and voilà! You’ve just created burrito magic. You can even serve these bad boys with extra salsa, chopped lettuce, cilantro, and green onions for that gourmet touch.
Slow Cooker Beef Burritos Substitutions & Variations
While the original Slow Cooker Beef Burrito recipe is a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try to tailor it to your taste.
For a lighter option, swap the London broil for chicken or turkey, and use whole wheat tortillas. If you’re craving some heat, add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture.
You can also experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack or queso fresco, to change up the flavor. Feel free to add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
Finally, if you’re vegetarian, replace the meat with lentils or jackfruit for a delicious plant-based alternative. The possibilities are endless!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Beef Burritos
After customizing your Slow Cooker Beef Burritos with various ingredients, you might wonder what to serve alongside them.
I love pairing these flavorful burritos with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado drizzled with lime juice adds a rejuvenating crunch.
You can’t go wrong with tortilla chips and salsa, either; the crispy chips complement the burritos perfectly. For a bit of heat, consider serving a side of pickled jalapeños.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a side of Mexican-style rice works wonderfully.
Finally, don’t forget about extra toppings like guacamole, cilantro, and lime wedges to enhance the experience.
Enjoy experimenting with these sides to elevate your meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Slow Cooker Beef Burritos turn out perfectly, keep a few key tips in mind. First, don’t skip the seasoning rub; it really enhances the flavor of the beef. If you want extra heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker.
I also recommend letting the shredded beef soak in the reserved cooking liquid for at least 10 minutes before assembling the burritos; it keeps the meat moist and flavorful.
When warming tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds to make them pliable.
Finally, feel free to customize your toppings—guacamole, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro all add delicious freshness. Enjoy!