Mexican Shredded Beef Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Imagine a tender, flavorful fiesta of Mexican Shredded Beef, perfectly seasoned and shredded to perfection. It's a dish that brings families and friends together, and we've made it accessible for busy parents and caring companions alike.
Gluten Free

Hello, kitchen enthusiasts and helpful hearts! Have you ever wished for a meal that tastes like a chef’s creation but doesn’t require the time and effort of a gourmet feast? Look no further than our Mexican Shredded Beef Freezer Meal – a masterpiece ready to make your life a whole lot easier

Imagine a tender, flavorful fiesta of Mexican Shredded Beef, perfectly seasoned and shredded to perfection. It’s a dish that brings families and friends together, and we’ve made it accessible for busy parents.

With our make-ahead meal, you can be the one who swoops in to save the day, offering a helping hand to parents who need it most. Just prep this freezer meal on a weekend morning, place the bag in the freezer, pop it into the oven, and let the delicious aroma fill your home. In no time, you’ll be serving a hearty and mouthwatering dinner that everyone will adore.

So, whether you’re a parent looking to simplify mealtime or a friend seeking to brighten someone’s day, our Mexican Shredded Beef Freezer Meal is your ticket to culinary success and heartfelt generosity.

Why you’ll Love this Authentic Mexican Shredded Beef

  • Budget Friendly
  • Batch cooking
  • Minimal Clean-up
  • Kid-friendly
  • Authentic Flavor
Mexican Beef Freezer Meal
Imagine a tender, flavorful fiesta of Mexican Shredded Beef, perfectly seasoned and shredded to perfection. It's a dish that brings families and friends together, and we've made it accessible for busy parents and caring companions alike.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 Adults
Calories 570 kcal
Equipment
  • 1 Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
Ingredients
 
 
  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1/2 cup frozen diced onion
  • 1 cup salsa heat of preference
  • 4.5 oz green chiles
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
 
Freezer Prep Directions:
  • Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
  • Add all ingredients to labeled gallon freezer bag.
  • Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker Directions:
  • Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
  • Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker.
  • Cook on low 8-10 hours.
  • Shred the beef directly in the slow cooker with two forks and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Optional: Serve in tortillas, over rice, cauliflower rice or on top of chips!
Instant Pot Directions
  1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water.
  2. Set to High Pressure for 60 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
  3. Shred the beef directly in the slow cooker with two forks and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Optional: Serve in tortillas, over rice, cauliflower rice or on top of chips!
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten-Free:
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
 
 
Make it Dairy-Free:
  • This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Notes

  • May top with favorite taco toppings! (cheese, guacamole, salsa, etc…)
  • Make it pretty: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a lime wedge. 
     

Nutrition

Calories: 570kcalCarbohydrates: 87gProtein: 26gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 7465mgPotassium: 2570mgFiber: 30gSugar: 37gCalcium: 377mgIron: 22mg
Keyword Beef Recipes, crockpot dinners, Easy Dinner, Mexican Shredded Beef
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Equipment Needed to Meal Prep Mexican Shredded Beef

  • 1 Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
  • 1 gallon freezer bag

Ingredients for your Mexican Shredded Beef Recipe

  • 3 lbs Beef chuck roast
  • 1/2 cup Frozen diced onion
  • 1 cup salsa heat of preference
  • 4.5 oz Can diced green chilies
  • 14.5 oz Can diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Oregano

How to Make a Mexican Shredded Beef

Prep/Freezer directions:

  1. Label Freezer bag with recipe name, cooking from frozen directions and expiration date (todays date plus three months).
  2. Add all ingredients to labeled gallon freezer bag.
  3. Store in freezer for up to three months.

Cooking directions:

  1. Thaw overnight in fridge or in the morning in some warm water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
  2. Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker.
  3. Cook on low 8-10 hours.
  4. Shred beef and stir back into sauce in slow cooker.
  5. Optional: Serve in tortillas, over rice, cauliflower rice or on top of chips!

What to serve/pair with your Mexican Shredded Beef Freezer Meal Recipe

Sides:

Desserts:

Mocktails:

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

  • Beef Chuck Roast → Pork Shoulder: Swap the beef chuck roast for pork shoulder or pork butt. The same flavorful shredded meat effect can be achieved with pork, and it pairs well with Mexican flavors.
  • Yellow Onion → Red Onion: Instead of yellow onion, use red onion for a slightly sweeter and more vibrant flavor in your shredded beef. It will add a colorful touch to your dish.
  • Salsa → Enchilada Sauce: Replace the salsa with enchilada sauce for a saucier and slightly different flavor profile. Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce based on your preference.

Additions:

  • Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers, such as red, green, or yellow, to introduce a fresh, sweet, and colorful element to your Mexican Shredded Beef. They can be sautéed with the onions for added flavor.
  • Black Beans: Incorporate drained and rinsed black beans into the mixture. They will contribute texture, protein, and an extra layer of flavor to your shredded beef.
  • Corn: Include frozen or canned corn kernels for a burst of sweetness and crunch. Corn adds a delightful contrast to the savory and spicy flavors in the dish.

These substitutions and additions will provide variety and new flavors to your Mexican Shredded Beef while maintaining freezer-friendly ingredients for convenient meal preparation.

How to Reheat and Store Mexican Shredded Beef after cooking

Best way to store Make-Ahead Mexican Shredded Beef leftovers?

The best way to store your leftover Mexican Shredded Beef is by placing it in airtight containers or freezer bags. After prepping your Mexican Shredded Beef, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the shredded beef into an airtight container, or freezer safe bag.

Make sure the container is of an appropriate size to accommodate the quantity of beef you want to store. Seal the container tightly, or remove as much air as possible from the freezer bag.

How long will Mexican Shredded Beef last in the fridge?

With allowing the proper cool down to occur with your Mexican Shredded Beef leftovers, and properly securing your leftovers in a container or bag, your beef should remain fresh for 4-5 days. Always do sniff tests when using leftovers, to make sure that your meal has not spoiled in the fridge.

Can I freeze Meal Prepped Mexican Shredded Beef after cooking?

Yes! Absolutely, follow the same procedure as you would if you were storing it in the fridge. Allow the recipe to cool down to room temperature, usually about 30 minutes. Once the recipe has cooled, transfer leftovers to a container or freezer bag, and remove as much air as possible from the bag.

Seal, and label for freshness. Ensure your leftovers are flat and in the coldest part of your freezer.

If you are looking to make this into a raw freezer meal, just add all the ingredients into a labeled freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, seal and freeze. Simple as that.

How to reheat Mexican Shredded Beef Crockpot recipe?

When you are ready to enjoy the Mexican Shredded Beef, remove the container from the freezer or refrigerator. If leftovers have been frozen, allow the leftovers to thaw overnight. Transfer the thawed shredded beef to a microwave-safe dish or stovetop saucepan.

If using the stovetop, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is thoroughly heated.

Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the desired temperature is reached. This method ensures that your Mexican Shredded Beef retains its flavor and texture when reheated, providing a delicious meal ready when you are.

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Comments

  1. So good! Our family loves this recipe.

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