Effortless Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Smothered BBQ Beef Burritos

Prepare for a culinary revelation born from a delightful kitchen mishap: our incredibly delicious Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Smothered BBQ Beef Burritos! This recipe promises a harmonious blend of smoky, tender BBQ beef, perfectly wrapped in warm tortillas, and generously smothered in an unbelievably creamy salsa verde sauce. It’s a dish that effortlessly combines comfort food with vibrant flavors, guaranteed to become a new family favorite for any day of the week, not just #tacotuesday.

In today’s bustling world, kitchen gadgets like the Instant Pot have certainly gained widespread popularity for their speed and efficiency. However, we haven’t forgotten the tried-and-true reliability and incredible depth of flavor that only a slow cooker can provide. That’s precisely why we’ve put in the extra effort to develop, test, and present this recipe for both cooking methods. Whether you prefer the lightning-fast results of a pressure cooker or the hands-off, low-and-slow perfection of a crock pot, you are absolutely going to adore these succulent Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Smothered BBQ Beef Burritos!

The story behind these incredible burritos is quite amusing. Our initial intention was to create a shredded chicken recipe for the Instant Pot. However, a last-minute change led us to use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead. With a beef roast patiently waiting in the fridge for its turn the following day, a spontaneous decision was made. I decided to improvise, tossing the roast into the slow cooker with what I *thought* was our Homemade Taco Seasoning.

Typically, our homemade taco seasoning is stored in a convenient jar in the cupboard. But on this particular day, a jar of leftover Smoky BBQ Rub from Cade’s famous Carolina Pulled Pork was mistakenly grabbed. Without a second glance, I generously sprinkled the aromatic rub all over the beef and placed it into the Instant Pot, anticipating a zesty taco-flavored creation.

Discovering the Magic of Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Smothered BBQ Beef Burritos

An hour and a half later, the irresistible aroma filled the kitchen, but the meat that emerged wasn’t what I had envisioned. Instead of taco-spiced beef, it was the most wonderfully tender, shredded BBQ beef imaginable! This unexpected twist was a delightful surprise, and the flavor was absolutely scrumptious. To elevate it further, I incorporated our favorite Homemade BBQ Sauce. Inspired by this accidental masterpiece, I reached out to my talented friend Jen from Carlsbad Cravings, a true master of photographing burritos and Mexican cuisine, for some expert tips. Though my photography skills still need practice, I was determined to capture the deliciousness of our newfound Instant Pot BBQ Beef Burritos.

Yet, something felt missing. That’s when inspiration struck: a creamy salsa verde sauce, akin to the one we use for our beloved Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas. The addition was transformative! It’s beyond words how perfectly it complements the rich BBQ beef. This harmonious combination makes these Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Smothered BBQ Beef Burritos our new go-to, even if they’re not technically tacos!

Pro Tip: Personalize your burritos by choosing between our Classic BBQ Sauce Recipe for a traditional taste or our tangy Carolina BBQ Sauce Recipe for a zesty kick.

Selecting the Best Roast for Perfectly Shredded Beef

Choosing the right cut of beef is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth shredded texture. While many roasts can work, we’ve consistently found that a beef chuck roast delivers the best results due to its ideal fat content and connective tissue that breaks down beautifully during slow cooking or pressure cooking. A tri-tip roast can also be an excellent alternative. When selecting your roast, look for good marbling – those tiny streaks of fat throughout the meat – as this contributes significantly to tenderness and flavor. However, ensure the roast isn’t excessively fatty. The meat should display a vibrant red hue; avoid any cuts with grayish tones, which can indicate older meat or improper storage temperatures.

Mastering Rapid Shredded Beef with Your Instant Pot

For those craving tender, flavorful shredded beef without the lengthy cooking times of traditional methods or the outdoor efforts of grilling, the Instant Pot is your ultimate ally. If speed is your priority, a pressure cooker is indispensable. To accommodate a substantial beef roast, we highly recommend a 6-Quart 9-Function Instant Pot or, for larger families or meal prepping, an 8-Quart 7-Function Instant Pot.

Making shredded BBQ beef in an Instant Pot is remarkably fast, requiring only 70 minutes of cooking time. Amazingly, you don’t even need to add any additional liquid beyond the BBQ sauce you’ll toss the tender beef in at the end. Here’s how to do it:

Begin by generously rubbing your chosen BBQ rub all over the beef roast. Place the seasoned roast directly into the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to high pressure, and cook for 70 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10-15 minutes. This natural release step is crucial as it helps the meat retain its moisture and tenderness. After the natural release, carefully remove the beef to a cutting board. Using two forks, easily shred the beef into succulent strands. Return the shredded beef to the Instant Pot and toss it with 1-2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce, adjusting to taste. For a comprehensive guide on basic Instant Pot cooking, check out our handy Instant Pot Cheat Sheet!

Achieving Perfection with Shredded BBQ Beef in a Crock Pot

If you prefer the classic, low-and-slow approach, preparing shredded BBQ beef in a slow cooker (or crock pot) yields equally phenomenal results, often with an even richer, deeper flavor profile. The preparation steps mirror those for the Instant Pot initially: season your beef roast thoroughly with BBQ rub and place it into your slow cooker. Add the apple cider vinegar and beef broth, then set your slow cooker to the low setting and let it cook for a patient 8 hours. This extended cooking time is what transforms the roast into incredibly moist and fork-tender shredded beef, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Once cooked, remove the meat, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. Toss the shredded beef generously with your preferred BBQ sauce until it’s fully coated and infused with flavor. We personally recommend the reliable Hamilton Beach Programmable Slow Cooker for consistent results.

Determining the Ideal Shredded Beef Portion Per Person

When planning your meal, a common question arises: how much shredded beef per person? A general guideline is to plan for approximately 1/2 pound (about 225 grams) of cooked shredded beef per adult serving. However, it’s always wise to consider your audience. For small children, you might comfortably cut that amount in half. For adult males or those with heartier appetites, slightly increasing the portion to 3/4 pound (about 340 grams) might be more appropriate to ensure everyone leaves the table satisfied. This recipe makes 10 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Freezing Shredded BBQ Beef for Convenient Meal Prep

One of the fantastic advantages of this shredded BBQ beef recipe is its freezer-friendly nature, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. You can prepare a larger batch and store portions for quick and easy future meals. When you defrost the beef, you might notice that the fat has solidified again; this is completely normal and actually beneficial. The solidified fat helps to keep the meat moist and tender during the reheating process, ensuring that your reheated beef is just as delicious as when it was freshly made.

For optimal freezing and to prevent freezer burn, we always recommend using a Food Saver. While we’re not sponsored by them, it truly is one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen, extending the shelf life and quality of your frozen foods significantly.

With your perfectly cooked, flavor-packed shredded beef ready, it’s time for the exciting assembly phase. While the shredded beef is delightful on its own, adding a touch of cheese truly elevates it to an incredible level. Grab the best, most pliable tortillas you can find. Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded BBQ beef and a sprinkling of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Fold in the ends and roll each burrito tightly to secure its delicious contents. Arrange the rolled burritos on a baking sheet.

Next, whisk together a simple yet sublime creamy salsa verde sauce using a jar of Herdez Salsa Verde and heavy whipping cream until silky smooth. Pour this amazing sauce generously over each burrito, ensuring they are beautifully smothered. Top with a final sprinkle of shredded cheese. Transfer the baking sheet to your broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is warmed through. For an extra layer of freshness and flavor, crown your masterpiece with a dollop of our Restaurant Style Salsa.

Serve your Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Smothered BBQ Beef Burritos immediately with a fresh dollop of sour cream and perhaps some chopped cilantro for garnish. Get ready to savor every single bite of this amazing, accidentally perfect creation!

Expand Your Culinary Horizons with More Recipes:

All Our Quesadilla and Burrito Recipes and More:

• Grilled S’mores Dessert Quesadillas
• Enchilada Style Ground Beef Burrito
• Cafe Rio {Copycat} Sweet Pork Quesadilla
• Easy Quesadilla Recipe
• Teriyaki Chicken Quesadilla
• Deep Fried Bean and Cheese Quesadilla
• Mango Bacon Chicken Quesadilla
• Smothered Honey Lime Chicken Burrito
• Slow Cooker Mango Chicken Burritos
• Steak Burrito with Grilled Zucchini
• Smothered Cafe Rio {Copycat} Chicken Burrito
• Beef and Bean Burrito
• Scrambled Eggs Breakfast Burritos
• Apple Sausage Breakfast Burritos
• All our favorite Mexican Recipes here!

More Delicious Crock Pot Recipes:

• Creamy Chicken and Rice
• Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
• Crock Pot Cafe Rio Chicken
• Crock Pot Roasted Chicken
• Slow Cooker Pineapple Mexican Chicken
• Slow Cooker Potato Broccoli Corn Chowder with Bacon
• Sweet and Sour Meatballs in the Slow Cooker
• Asian Sticky Slow Cooker Ribs
• Chili Sauce and Grape Jelly Slow Cooker Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Korean BBQ Beef
• Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken
• Chicken Carnitas
• All our CROCKPOT and SLOW COOKER recipes here!

Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Smothered BBQ Beef Burritos Recipe

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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