16 Mexican Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals (2024)

These Mexican slow cooker recipes come together quickly, then take their time developing delicious and deep flavors traditional to Mexican cuisine. Our ideas include tortilla soup, beefy burritos, and an authentic tinga poblana. These easy-to-make meals will quickly become a tradition in your home.

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Beef and Chipotle Burritos

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Chipotle chiles lend their smoky flavor to this beefed-up main course. The Mexican slow cooker recipe for burritos is hearty and satisfying, with sprinkles of chopped onions and diced tomatoes. Add fresh homemade pico de gallo.

02of 16

Pork Ribs in Mole Verde

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Mole verde is a star of sauces when it comes to Mexican cuisine. It combines tomatillos, onion, honey, and—of course—green chiles ($2, Walmart) for a smooth and delicious glaze. This Mexican slow cooker recipe finishes in the broiler to give the ribs an extra-crispy texture.

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Mexican-Inspired Tomatillo-Poblano Eggs

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The eggs are added to this Mexican slow cooker recipe in the last 30 minutes where they reach their ideal doneness floating in a hot bath of the tomatillo mixture. The fresh tomatillos, poblano peppers, and delicious blend of spices pack a powerful punch and make this an easy favorite for brunch.

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Spicy Buffalo Tacos

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Swap the buffalo meat for ground beef if you prefer, but don't skimp on the poblanos. These mildly spicy peppers season the meat with just the right amount of heat, while chopped kale adds great texture to the black and red beans in this slow cooker taco filling. Warm the tacos and finish them with your favorite toppings.

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Chicken Tortilla Soup

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Tortilla soup is served in restaurants and homes throughout Central Mexico, and this Mexican slow cooker recipe brings your home a version with just 15 minutes of prep work. Swap frozen vegetables for fresh ones, or use whatever you have. There's no need to measure lots of herbs and spices for this tasty soup—they're already in the chicken broth and Mexican-style tomatoes.

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Slow Cooker Chilaquiles

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This traditional Mexican dish came about as a way to revive unused tortillas and leftover salsa, and it's become a favorite breakfast dish around the world. Our slow cooker breakfast recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare; the flavors develop over four hours in the slow cooker. Yes, we included the slow cooker liner in the ingredients list for a reason. You'll thank us during cleanup.

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07of 16

Pulled Pork Enchiladas

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Turn pulled pork into tender, flavorful perfection. Then simply assemble the enchiladas and bake. In just 30 minutes in the oven, your new favorite Mexican slow cooker recipe will be ready to enjoy.

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Mango-Chicken Tinga

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We love how many ways we can enjoy this smoky Mango-Chicken Tinga. Use it as a filling for chicken burritos or tortas, or add it to huevos rancheros for a coastal-inspired breakfast. Every option is tasty.

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Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo

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Bring the whole family together with these one-of-a-kind wraps. They're fun to make and delicious topped in homemade lime mayo featuring crunchy red onion and a lot of zest.

10of 16

Slow Cooker Taco Soup

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Brown your ground beef before adding it to this Mexican slow cooker recipe so it has more time to soak in the fiery flavors of the taco seasoning and Mexican-style stewed tomatoes ($1, Walmart). Three types of beans give this soup great texture, while the crisp corn adds a nice sweetness to every bite. Garnish with fresh cilantro or pickled jalapeños for some added spice.

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Cola-Chipotle Pork Tortas

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Who knew a can of fizzy cola and quick-pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas) could combine for a sandwich as delicious as this? Blended spices and a full can of cola come together for a sauce that makes this Mexican slow cooker recipe super tender. Canned chipotle peppers and creamy avocado balance the hot and cool flavors.

12of 16

Tinga Poblana

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Another delicious twist on tinga, this extra-hearty slow cooker recipe is spiced with adobo-covered chipotle peppers and Mexican oregano. The stew is best served hot with fresh corn tortillas or a side of refried beans. For creamy, fresh flavor, garnish it with queso fresco.

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Lamb Birria with Barley and Dried Plums

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This slow cooker Mexican stew is a must-have for any festive get-together. Tender chunks of lamb and fragrant spices create an enticing entrée, so don't expect leftovers. For a lively bowl of Mexican goodness, serve it with crispy golden tortilla strips, diced tomato, and lime wedges.

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Mexican-Inspired Meatball Stew

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Precooked frozen meatballs cut the prep time for this Mexican slow cooker recipe to just 10 minutes. From there, it's only a matter of hours of hands-off cooking before this substantial stew hits the table. To keep cleanup as easy as prep, line your slow cooker with a disposable liner.

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Slow-Cooked Beef Pozole

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This beefy twist on Mexican pozole is one of the heartiest soups your spoon will ever meet. This savory slow cooker pozole is the essence of delicious Mexican dining and is filled with potatoes, onions, corn, and many other fresh vegetables. Top it with chopped cilantro and queso fresco for an extra touch of freshness.

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Chipotle Chicken-Avocado Lettuce Wraps

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This slow cooker chicken taco filling is lightened by being served in a lettuce shell instead of a tortilla. Let the appliance do its magic on the chicken during the day, then slice some avocado and wash some lettuce for an easy and light dinner. So simple.

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16 Mexican Slow Cooker Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals (2024)

FAQs

How do you make slow cooker meals taste better? ›

How To Make the Best Slow Cooker Meals
  1. Browning Is Better. Slow cooker recipes don't always instruct you to brown meat before adding it to the pot, but there are some advantages to doing so. ...
  2. Cut With Care. ...
  3. Layers, Layers, Layers. ...
  4. Go Light on Liquids. ...
  5. Leave Room. ...
  6. Heat and Time. ...
  7. No Peeking. ...
  8. Smart Spice.
Oct 27, 2020

What foods should be slow cooked? ›

The Best Foods to Cook in Your Slow Cooker
  • Long-Cooking Cuts of Meat. Tough cuts of meat that turn out meltingly tender when cooked low and slow are made for this appliance. ...
  • Whole Chicken & Chicken Thighs. ...
  • Soups, Stews & Chilis. ...
  • Dips.
Jan 6, 2020

What goes in slow cooker first? ›

Place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top. Set the heat level: A general rule of thumb is that cooking on the low setting (170 degrees F for most models) takes about twice as long as cooking on high (280 degrees F on most models).

Are slow cooker meals good? ›

Slow cooker benefits.

They use less electricity than an oven and can be used year-round. Because of the long, low-temperature cooking, slow cookers help tenderize less-expensive cuts of meat. They usually allow for one-step preparation; putting all the ingredients in the slow cooker saves time and reduces cleanup.

What happens if you don't brown meat before slow cooking? ›

"Browning, or caramelizing, meat before putting it into a slow cooker isn't 100 percent necessary, but it is well worth the effort for the most flavorful and full-bodied end result," he says. "The caramelized surface of the meat will lend rich flavor and color to the finished dish."

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low in a slow cooker? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

What is the difference between a crockpot and a slow cooker? ›

A slow cooker and a Crockpot are the same thing, essentially. A slow cooker is an appliance of which there are lots of brands. Crockpot is one brand of slow cooker. Crockpot popularized slow cookers when they launched their version in the 1970s.

Why putting a tea towel over a slow cooker? ›

Try putting a tea towel over the top of the slow cooker before replacing the lid. This absorbs the excess moisture, thickening the dish and deepening its flavours. The cloth can be replaced with a fresh one when needed, but usually one tea towel during the final couple of hours will do the trick.

Why put paper towel under crockpot lid? ›

The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and prevent any condensation from dripping back onto the food. Be sure to reach for a good-quality, sturdy paper towel that can absorb moisture effectively without falling apart.

What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker? ›

What are the disadvantages of a slow cooker? Slow cookers only apply heat to the bottom of the crock, which cuts down on their ability to reduce liquids and brown foods, and develop flavor the same way a Dutch oven or pressure cooker can.

Are you supposed to lock the lid on a slow cooker? ›

"Those latches are only designed to carry-out food somewhere to avoid spillage." If there is a locking lid feature on your glass lid, that is only to prevent spills when you're toting the Crockpot to your potluck, not for when you're cooking.

Can you put raw meat in a slow cooker? ›

Can you put meat straight into a slow cooker? Meat can be added directly unseared and not browned. However, browning meat and caramelising the beef is a great way to add depth of flavour and improve the visual appearance of the final dish.

Can I leave the slow cooker on overnight? ›

Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? Yes, you can use your slow cooker for longer than eight hours, as long as you keep an eye on it. Many slow cookers do have an automatic shutoff after 24 hours.

Why is my slow cooker food tasteless? ›

Put more seasoning in. That's it. More spices, more salt, a little more fat. After that, consider when you are putting your spices and how long you are cooking them for.

How do you add Flavour to slow cooker? ›

Brighten Everything Up With a Fresh Finish

Many slow-cooker dishes need a flavor boost before serving, so we turn to fresh finishers such as herbs, citrus juice, or vinegar, stirred in or sprinkled on top at the end of cooking.

How do you add flavor to bland stew in a slow cooker? ›

Tomato paste: you'll use some tomato paste to help thicken the broth and to give it a nice tang of sweetness. Worcestershire: the wonderful addition of Worcestershire gives this beef stew recipe an incredible savory umami flavor. Balsamic vinegar: helps to give the beef stew a little tang and sweetness.

How do I get the best results from a slow cooker? ›

Reduce liquid when using a slow cooker

It should just cover the meat and vegetables. Don't overfill your slow cooker, or it may start leaking out the top, and the food won't cook so well. Half to two-thirds full is ideal – certainly no more than three-quarters.

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