This Slow Cooker Shredded Steak is the epitome of comfort food. The tender, flavorful beef soaks up the rich, savory sauce made with a blend of spices, tomatoes, and green chilies, creating the perfect balance of heat and depth of flavor. Served on a bed of rice, wrapped in tortillas, or piled on top of your favorite salad, it’s a versatile dish that can suit any meal.
What’s great about this recipe is how simple it is to make, yet it’s packed with flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender shredded beef that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or taco night. You can also customize it by adding your favorite toppings or serving it with a side of grilled vegetables to make it your own.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 pounds flank steak
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1 onion, sliced
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1 bell pepper, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
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1 (4-ounce) can green chilies, diced
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
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1/2 cup beef broth
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a slow cooker, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
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Place the flank steak on top of the vegetables.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, beef broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
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Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Stir everything to combine and coat the steak with the seasoning mixture.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the steak is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
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Remove the steak from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
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Return the shredded steak to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
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Serve with tortillas, rice, or over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes | Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Choose Slow Cooker Shredded Steak?
One of the main reasons slow cooker shredded steak has become so popular is its simplicity. All you need to do is toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic. The slow cooking process ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender, breaking down perfectly to shred with just a fork. There’s no need to hover over the stove or constantly stir; the slow cooker does all the hard work for you.
Not only is it easy, but slow cooker shredded steak also brings amazing flavor. The combination of beef, spices, and vegetables creates a rich, savory base that’s perfect for a variety of meals. Whether you’re serving it over rice, stuffing it into tacos, or pairing it with fresh veggies, this shredded steak will make any meal more flavorful. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option, using affordable cuts of beef like flank steak, which becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Family Dinners
One of the greatest things about slow cooker shredded steak is how well it works for meal prep. It makes a large batch, which means you can cook once and have enough leftovers for several meals throughout the week. The beauty of this dish is its versatility. You can use the shredded steak in many ways—whether that’s tacos, burritos, salads, rice bowls, or sandwiches.
If you’re planning a family dinner, this recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd. The slow cooker can easily accommodate larger batches, so you can adjust the ingredients accordingly to feed more people. Plus, it allows you to spend less time in the kitchen, leaving more time to relax and enjoy your family’s company.
How to Make the Most of Your Slow Cooker Shredded Steak
While the slow cooker takes care of most of the work, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure your shredded steak turns out perfectly every time. First, choose a good cut of beef. Flank steak is an excellent choice for this recipe because it’s both affordable and flavorful. However, you can also use other cuts like chuck roast, brisket, or round steak. Just make sure the cut has enough fat to stay tender during the slow cooking process.
Seasoning is another important aspect of this dish. While the recipe is great as is, feel free to tweak the spices to suit your preferences. If you like it spicy, try adding chili flakes, jalapeños, or extra green chilies. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin. The beauty of this dish is how adaptable it is to your tastes, so feel free to adjust the seasonings as needed.
Using the Leftovers
One of the best features of slow cooker shredded steak is its versatility when it comes to leftovers. After making the main dish, you’ll find that the shredded steak can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
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Tacos – Warm the shredded steak, fill taco shells, and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
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Burritos – Turn leftovers into burritos by adding rice, beans, and fresh veggies wrapped in a soft tortilla.
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Steak Bowls – For a healthier option, serve the shredded steak over rice or quinoa, then add fresh vegetables and your favorite sauce.
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Sandwiches – Serve the shredded steak on a toasted bun with melted cheese for a satisfying sandwich or use it as a filling for a hearty sub.
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Salads – Add the shredded steak to a fresh salad for extra protein. Top with avocado, greens, and a zesty dressing for a light yet filling meal.
Customization Options
One of the best parts about slow cooker shredded steak is how easily it can be customized. While the basic recipe is simple, here are a few ways you can tweak it to suit your tastes:
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Add more vegetables – Feel free to add carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to the slow cooker. These vegetables will absorb the rich juices and add even more flavor to the dish.
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Spice it up – If you love bold, spicy flavors, add chili peppers, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch.
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Switch up the seasoning – If you’re not a fan of cumin and paprika, experiment with other spices like garlic powder, coriander, or thyme. Fresh herbs like rosemary can add a lovely earthy flavor.
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Make it smoky – If you enjoy a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. Alternatively, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can give the dish a deeper smoky taste with a bit of heat.
Conclusion: A Recipe You Can Rely On
Slow cooker shredded steak is the ultimate go-to meal: it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week. Whether you’re serving it in tacos, bowls, sandwiches, or just with a simple side, this shredded steak recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
The best part about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your preferences, making it a dish that will always meet your needs. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious, offering plenty of meal options without the need to repeat the same meal every day.
With the slow cooker doing all the work, you’ll be left with tender, juicy beef that’s packed with flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family dinner, or meal prep day, this recipe is the perfect solution for a hearty and comforting meal.
So, if you’re looking for an easy yet satisfying dinner idea that your whole family will love, slow cooker shredded steak is a recipe you can rely on. With just a few ingredients and some time, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to bring smiles to the table.