All it takes is 5 ingredients to make this amazingly flavorful Mexican shredded beef, and 2.1 seconds after the beef is done you can make beef tostadas because all you do is pile toppings on and you have a super easy meal-hands on time is under 5 minutes!!
The second I see the leaves changing colors I know it’s crock pot season! I recently got the coolest crock pot after my old one broke (no joke, it somehow cracked down the middle on the bottom and I came home to find liquid everywhere, not fun – that was actually the second crock pot that has broken on me – that seems a little crazy- it’s not like I’m excessively using it – have you ever had a crock pot break?) and have been itching to use it, it seemed only fitting that the first recipe I made in it was one for my Five Ingredient Friday series. So welcome to fall, welcome to Fridays, and welcome to this insanely delicious 5 ingredient Mexican shredded beef.
The recipe is so easy, you just put all the ingredients in the crock pot, set it and forget it.
You come back to not only a delicious smelling house, but to beef that is cooked with jalapenos, lime and seasonings. A hint of spicy and a hint of sweet! I love using dark soda (like when I made this 3 ingredient pulled pork) when cooking meat in the crock pot. It gives meat that hint of sweetness that works so well with the spice from the jalapenos (and if you don’t like it on the spicy side seed the jalapenos before putting them in).
[Tweet “Got 5 minutes? Make this 5 ingredient Mexican shredded beef from @sweetphi for #dinner tonight!”]
And what to do with all the delicious Mexican shredded beef? Why, make beef tostadas of course!
Tostadas are like a flat taco or big nachos. I love how easy they to assemble, you just buy tostada shells and then pile on the toppings. On top of the beef I had this 5 ingredient guacamole, lettuce, cheese and sour cream. So good!!
This Mexican shredded beef would also be great on these nachos instead of pork or would make an awesome filling for tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas or on little buns for sliders!

Ingredients
- 3-5 lb beef chuck roast
- 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 jalapeno
- 2-4 cups dark cola soda
- 1 lime juiced
- For the tostada:
- tostada shells
- guacamole
- salad
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
Instructions
- Pat beef chuck roast dry with a paper towel and place in a crock pot.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning on top of the beef and rub it into the beef with your fingers, kind of like massaging it in.
- Add in the jalapeno (if you want it more spicy leave in the seeds, if you like it less spicy seed the jalapeno before putting it in.) and then pour cola over the meat - you want it about just to the top of the beef.
- Squeeze in lime juice and turn the heat on low and cook for 6 hours (alternatively you could cook it on high for 3 hours).
- After 6 hours remove the beef and with two forks shred the beef and enjoy!
- For the tostadas simply pile on shredded beef, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream and shredded cheese.
Kayla says
I had the same thing happen to my crockpot. I stopped running through dishwasher, so handwash only. Going on 3-4 years with this one now. I also always use a crockpot liner so it’s super easy to clean. Recipe looks good. Was considering adding some sort of pico de gallo when I do mine? We’ll see. Thank you
Sweetphi says
Isn’t it odd how that happens sometimes? So glad to hear it wasn’t just me lol. Oh I love the idea of crockpot liners, I’ll have to look into those! And pico would be a great addition 🙂
Little Cooking Tips says
Very interesting recipe dear Phi! We finally managed to find a little time to check some of your latest wonderful posts !:) We’re still in the process of looking for a new place; due the crisis (the economic meltdown of Greece actually), there aren’t many places available as before, because people don’t move that much (due to the moving costs). Buy we remain optimistic!
Back to your recipe now; we don’t have a crock pot (it’s an appliance very few foodies know about here), so perhaps we could braise this in a pot instead:) Those tortilla piles on the bottom of the post look fantastic!
We never used cola in a recipe before, is this something common for beef in the States? We’re a bit reluctant due to the sugar and the additives, are there any alternatives to that?:) We know, this is a recipe which includes cola. And we shouldn’t ask for alternatives. But we took the liberty to ask, as we consider you a fellow blogger and friend who won’t be annoyed by our silly question, right?:):)
Again, congrats for another delicious post Phi!
Hugs,
Panos and Mirella
xoxoxo
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Best of luck finding a place, that is always very time consuming and difficult!
This could definitely be braised instead of made in a crock pot (very interesting note that they are not popular world-wide!
I wouldn’t say that cola is commonly used with beef, but I’ve seen it before and I personally love it. This could certainly be made with beef broth instead of cola if you don’t want the sugar/additives, it’s never a silly question 🙂
cheri says
I just got out my crock pot and I know my husband would go crazy for this. Pinned!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much for the pin Cheri! And I think you and your husband would definitely love this!
danicaliforniacooks says
My boyfriend is always asking me for more beef! I’ll have to add this to the list!
Sweetphi says
I think your bf would love this – it’s so delicious, I made it again this week – it’s just so easy and good!!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
These look so delicious!! I just got a Crock Pot recently, which totally makes me feel like a real adult, haha. I need to start using it more though. I am absolutely need to try this Mexican shredded beef and these tostadas. Pinned!
Sweetphi says
Welcome to the real adult club lol. Crock pot meals are totally delish, and these beef tostadas are incredible, you’d love it!
Shawnna says
Oh girl this looks so yummy!!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much – it’s totally delish and so easy to make!