Slow Cooker Beef Salsa Verde

This easy Slow Cooker Beef Salsa Verde is the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, and perfect for meal prep.
226 Calibration 7 grams of carbohydrates 5gFAT 35 grams protein
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Beef Recipe
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy dinner recipe, this one Slow Cooker Beef with Salsa Verde Yeah! Just use a few pantry staples and a few tips to enhance the flavor of store-bought salsa verde, and you can make some seriously delicious shredded beef.
Usually, when people think of using salsa verde in a slow cooker, they think of chicken salsa verde.
However, you can also make a really delicious shredded Mexican beef dish with salsa verde. The flavor is more subtle than typical chipotle and jerk chile beef recipes (like this Birria recipe), but just as delicious.
The tender meat can be used in tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and more. It’s also delicious served with eggs, a bit like traditional machaca.
before starting
Before starting this recipe, a few notes!
- Protein exchange: This recipe is great with beef, chicken or pork. If using chicken breast or lean pork, reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours to ensure you don’t overcook it.
- Salsa Verde: Salsa verde is a Mexican green salsa made with tomatillos, onions, garlic, cilantro and jalapeños. The salsa comes in raw, boiled, and grilled versions, any of which can be used in this recipe.
- Cooking method: You can make this in a slow cooker or instant pot. Instant Pot instructions are in the “How to Make” section!
what do you need
Here is a basic list of ingredients needed for this recipe:
- Lean beef: This recipe works well with almost any roast beef or beef roast. Anything that breaks easily when cooked low and simmer. Generally, I look for leaner cuts of meat, such as roasted beef eye or lean pot roast. Or I just buy whatever is on sale in the market.
- Salsa Verde: This is a key ingredient in this recipe, so be sure to choose a salsa verde that tastes really good. Herdez is one of my favorite store brands. Choose the spice level that works best for your home – mild, medium or spicy are all available.
- Onions, garlic and jalapenos: To enhance the flavor of store-bought salsa, I like to add a few extra jalapeños for spice and fresh onions for flavor. You can also add some fresh cilantro and lime juice, although typically I add them to the beef before serving.
- spices: This is another strategy to make store-bought salsa more flavorful, so it can rival the rich flavor of beef. Cumin, oregano, and cilantro work well, or you can add some homemade taco seasoning.
How to Make Shredded Beef Salsa Verde
You have several options when making this recipe:
Option 1: Slow cooker
Throw everything in the pan and cook until the beef is tender and ready to shred!
Option 2: Instant Pot
This recipe works great in the Instant Pot. Fry the beef in a little oil and add the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. Then, let the Instant Pot or pressure cooker release naturally. Shred with two forks and serve.
The Best Ways to Eat Beef Salsa Verde
This recipe is great for meal prep, and the leftovers taste as good or better than fresh dishes. Plan on making more and eating two meals out of this one dish!
- Tortillas: Serve with some warm tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, and Mexican cheese for a delicious taco night. Add some Mexican cauliflower rice and quick refried beans on the side.
- Burritos and Burrito Bowls: Make your own burritos and bowls at home with some cooked white or brown rice. Then add some cooked fajita greens, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and pico de Gallo.
- Tortillas: Add chopped cheese and pinto beans to turn it into a delicious tortilla. Then, serve with sliced avocado or guacamole.
- Steak and Eggs: Serve it with some egg yolks or scrambled eggs for breakfast for a Mexican version of steak and eggs. Serve it with tortillas for a delicious breakfast taco. We also love this Slow Cooked Mexican Steak and Eggs Tri Tip recipe.
- Stuffed peppers: Toss leftover beef with cooked rice and a can of diced tomatoes. Stuff them into green peppers and top with shredded cheese for some delicious stuffed peppers. It’s also great stuffed into zucchini boats.
- Corn flakes: It’s hard to include this beef without telling you to try it on some nachos. You can start with nachos or half a mini chili. Add beef, beans, chopped vegetables, cheese and extra salsa verde. Trust me – this shredded beef is delicious with fries.
- sandwich: Serve with melted pepper jack cheese and pickled jalapeños for a Mexican version of the classic beef dripping sandwich. Or make your own quesadillas with refried beans, avocado and panera cheese.
Recipe Ideas
There are many ways to make this recipe your own or customize the flavors to suit your needs. Here are some things to try:
- Burn: Start by searing the beef to add more flavor and add some extra color to the meat.
- Salsa: Swap your favorite red salsa for green salsa to create another version of this delicious dish. The smoky flavor of the fire-roasted salsa is perfect for this.
- spices: Instead of using a spice combination, use your favorite taco seasoning to add extra flavor to this dish.
- vegetable: Add some extra veggies and flavor by adding a can of drained diced tomatoes and salsa verde.
- decorate: Be sure to add some fresh cilantro and lime juice at the end of this dish to bring out the flavor of the salsa verde.
- protein: Change up the protein and make similar tortillas with turkey. Check out these Ground Turkey Salsa Verde Quesadillas.
- Make it creamy: Craving a creamy beef dish? Add 4 oz. Reduced-fat cream cheese or 3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream, shredded beef makes a creamy version that’s delicious.
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about making beef salsa verde.
Can I make beef salsa verde in the Instant Pot?
This recipe works great in the Instant Pot. Fry the beef in a little oil and add the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. Then let the Instant Pot or pressure cooker release naturally. Shred with two forks and serve.
Would this work with chicken or pork?
Absolutely! This recipe is great with beef, chicken or pork. If using chicken breast or lean pork, reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours to ensure you don’t overcook it.
Is salsa verde spicy?
There are many different types of salsa, and you can choose from a mild salsa with less spice to a medium-hot salsa with more spice. This recipe also uses two extra jalapeños to add some extra flavor and spice.
What is Salsa Verde?
Salsa verde is a Mexican green salsa made with tomatillos, onions, garlic, cilantro and jalapeños. Salsa comes in raw, boiled, and grilled varieties, any of which can be used in this recipe.