Brisket Taco Recipe Slow Cooker – Easy Family Meal
Ah, brisket tacos! Just reading that makes me think of delicious aromas wafting through the kitchen and the sound of the slow cooker doing its magic.
Packed with flavor, fall-apart tenderness, and with crisp tortillas cradling all that goodness, brisket tacos are a meal that can put a smile on anyone's face.
I remember the first time I tried making them. The anticipation of letting the slow cooker do its job was both thrilling and torturous.
But the end result?
Totally worth it! In this post, I’m sharing my favorite slow cooker brisket taco recipe, layering in tips, tricks, and even pairing suggestions to create a taco night that your friends and family will rave about. Let’s dig into the savory world of brisket tacos!
What is Brisket Taco Slow Cooker?
At its essence, a brisket taco slow cooker recipe transforms a tough cut of beef into tender, flavorful goodness thanks to the magic of slow cooking.
By utilizing the slow cooker, tough collagen in the brisket breaks down, yielding a succulent and juicy filling fit for any taco shell. Combine that with zesty seasoning, and you've got yourself a winning dish.
Why This Recipe Works?
1. Effortless Cooking Process
The beauty of a slow cooker is its convenience. Simply toss everything in, set it, and let it work its magic. This recipe takes minimal effort. You can go about your day while the brisket cooks to perfection.
2. Rich Flavor Development
Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld. With ingredients like smoky salsa and zesty taco seasoning, each bite bursts with flavor. The prolonged cooking time lets the brisket soak up all the goodness surrounding it.
3. Versatility in Serving
Brisket tacos can cater to various tastes. Whether you like them spicy, tangy, or savory, this dish adapts easily to your preferences. Top with onions, jalapeños, or cilantro for an extra kick.
4. Meal Prep Friendly
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch in the slow cooker, and you'll have delicious leftovers ready to go. They pack well for lunches or can be quickly heated for an easy dinner during the week.
Ingredients You'll Need To Make This Dish
- 18 soft corn tortillas, warmed
- 2 pounds of beef brisket, trimmed and sliced for easy cooking
- 1 cup of smoky roasted tomato salsa
- 4 tablespoons of zesty taco seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Juice from 2 ripe key limes (or regular limes)
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of crumbled Cotija cheese or queso fresco
- 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced into rings
- A handful of freshly chopped cilantro leaves
How to Make This Brisket Taco Slow Cooker?
Step 1: Prep the Brisket
Start by trimming any excess fat from the brisket. This will ensure that your meat isn’t too greasy. Cut the brisket into large chunks for easy cooking and seasoning.
Step 2: Season the Meat
In a large bowl, combine the brisket pieces with the taco seasoning and smoked paprika. Add about half of the salsa and stir to coat evenly. This step is crucial as it ensures that each piece of meat is deliciously seasoned.
Step 3: Into the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seasoned brisket into your slow cooker. Pour the remaining smoky roasted tomato salsa evenly over the top. Squeeze the juice of both limes over this mixture to add brightness and acidity.
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Set your slow cooker to low. Cooking for around 8 hours will produce the most tender results. If you're short on time, a high setting for about 4-6 hours will suffice. Just keep an eye on it.
Step 5: Shred the Brisket
Once cooking time is up, you should be left with incredibly tender brisket. Remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Mix it back into the juices in the slow cooker for maximum flavor.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
Warm your corn tortillas one by one. On each tortilla, pile on a generous portion of the shredded brisket. Top it off with the sliced red onion, crumbled cheese, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. Let everyone enjoy assembling their own. Trust me, this will be a hit!
Tips & Tricks
Use Bone-In Brisket: If possible, opt for a bone-in brisket for additional flavor during cooking.
Marinate Overnight: For even more depth of flavor, marinate your brisket in the seasoning and salsa the night before.
Don’t Rush the Cooling: Let the brisket cool slightly in the juices before shredding. This keeps moisture in.
Garnish Wisely: Experiment with your toppings! Pineapple salsa or avocado crema can elevate the flavor even further.
Keep Tortillas Warm: A warm tortilla prevents tearing. Cover them with a towel as you assemble the tacos.
How Do You Store The Leftovers?
Leftover brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s important to keep it immersed in its juices to maintain moisture. For longer storage, consider freezing the brisket in portions. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Sides Would Complement Brisket Taco Slow Cooker?
To round out your taco night, consider these delightful sides:
1. Cilantro-Lime Rice
This dish pairs perfectly with brisket. The fresh flavor of cilantro combined with zesty lime complements the savory tacos well.
2. Refried Beans
Creamy, flavorful refried beans add both protein and satisfaction to your meal. You can serve them topped with cheese, avocado, or cilantro.
3. Grilled Veggies
Charred veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions add a smoky flavor. A squeeze of lime on top enhances this delicious side.
What Alternatives Can You Use for The Ingredients If They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?
You might find yourself missing an ingredient. Here are some substitutes:
1. Beef Alternative
If you're not a beef fan, try using pork shoulder or chicken thighs. Both will work well with the slow cooker method.
2. Store-bought Salsa
In a pinch, any store-bought salsa works fine. Just be sure to pick something with good flavor.
3. Alternate Cheese
If Cotija is scarce, crumbled feta or even shredded cheddar is a decent substitute.
4. Lighter Tortillas
If corn tortillas aren't available, use whole wheat or flour tortillas as a flexible option.
Conclusion
So there you have it—a complete guide to crafting outstanding brisket tacos in your slow cooker. With easy preparation and a flavorful outcome, this recipe makes for an unbeatable meal.
Whether you’re serving friends at a gathering or just indulging in a cozy night in, everyone can enjoy a taco night. Dive into a world of flavors, and don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it.
Happy cooking and even happier eating!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
Brisket tacos are a flavor-packed dish, and pairing them with the right sides can elevate your dining experience. A refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette adds crunch and balances the rich, savory brisket.
For a creamy complement, guacamole or a smooth avocado dip brings a luscious texture that enhances the spiced meat beautifully.
To keep the meal authentic, try serving traditional Mexican street corn, or elote. The sweetness of the grilled corn, combined with lime juice, chili powder, and crumbled cotija cheese, provides a vibrant and flavorful accompaniment that pairs wonderfully with the tacos.
- 18 soft corn tortillas, warmed
- 2 pounds of beef brisket, trimmed and sliced for easy cooking
- 1 cup of smoky roasted tomato salsa
- 4 tablespoons of zesty taco seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 2 ripe key limes Juice (or regular limes)
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of crumbled Cotija cheese or queso fresco
- 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced into rings
- A handful of freshly chopped cilantro leaves
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the brisket. This will ensure that your meat isn’t too greasy. Cut the brisket into large chunks for easy cooking and seasoning.
- In a large bowl, combine the brisket pieces with the taco seasoning and smoked paprika. Add about half of the salsa and stir to coat evenly. This step is crucial as it ensures that each piece of meat is deliciously seasoned.
- Transfer the seasoned brisket into your slow cooker. Pour the remaining smoky roasted tomato salsa evenly over the top. Squeeze the juice of both limes over this mixture to add brightness and acidity.
- Set your slow cooker to low. Cooking for around 8 hours will produce the most tender results. If you're short on time, a high setting for about 4-6 hours will suffice. Just keep an eye on it.
- Once cooking time is up, you should be left with incredibly tender brisket. Remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Mix it back into the juices in the slow cooker for maximum flavor.
- Warm your corn tortillas one by one. On each tortilla, pile on a generous portion of the shredded brisket. Top it off with the sliced red onion, crumbled cheese, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. Let everyone enjoy assembling their own. Trust me, this will be a hit!
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 488kcal
- Calories from Fat 260kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 29g45%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0.2g
- Cholesterol 96mg32%
- Sodium 2178mg91%
- Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Use Bone-In Brisket: If possible, opt for a bone-in brisket for additional flavor during cooking.
- Marinate Overnight: For even more depth of flavor, marinate your brisket in the seasoning and salsa the night before.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Let the brisket cool slightly in the juices before shredding. This keeps moisture in.
- Garnish Wisely: Experiment with your toppings! Pineapple salsa or avocado crema can elevate the flavor even further.
- Keep Tortillas Warm: A warm tortilla prevents tearing. Cover them with a towel as you assemble the tacos.
I’m Crystal Ivers, a registered dietitian and the creator of Easy Family Meal. Living in Chicago with my family, I’m passionate about helping busy families create simple, nutritious, and delicious meals. Through my blog, I share easy-to-make recipes and practical tips to make family mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.