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slow cooker short rib tacos stacked on a blue plate

Slow Cooker Short Rib Tacos

Farmlife DIY
These easy slow cooker short rib tacos are perfectly juicy and easy to make! The tacos are seared to perfection for a cheesy, crispy, perfect dinner!
4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Food, Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings (3 street tacos each)
Calories 265 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the short ribs

  • 2 pounds bone in short ribs
  • 1 10-ounce can enchildada sauce
  • 1 10-ounce can tomatoes with green chilies (Ro-Tel)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 5 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1 white onion peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 limes juiced
  • fresh thyme optional

For the tacos

  • street taco tortillas corn, flour, low carb or gluten free will work
  • A shallow bowl with cold or room temperature enchilada sauce or some of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker (just try to skim off as much fat as possible or they will be very greasy.)
  • Shredded or crumbled cheese any variety or mixture you prefer.
  • Butter a neutral cooking oil can also be used.

Instructions
 

  • Pat the short ribs dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet to medium heat and spray with cooking oil or add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Sear the short ribs on each side for about 2 minutes until they have a nice sear.
  • Transfer the short ribs to a slow cooker. Top the ribs with the enchilada sauce, canned tomatoes, spices, garlic, onion, beef broth, lime juice, and herbs if using.
  • Cook on low for up to 8 hours or on high for up to 4 hours. The ribs are done when they are falling off the bone and fork tender.
  • When ready to serve, remove the ribs from the slow cooker and shred, discarding the bones. If desired, spoon a little bit of the sauce remaining in the slow cooker over the meat.
    At this point, you can use the meat for tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos, and more. Below are the directions for the tacos photographed

To make the tacos:

    Warning: You need high heat, and this will get smoky. Turn on the exhaust fan in the kitchen before you get started. This process goes quickly, so it is best to prep your ingredients ahead of time.

    • Heat a cast iron skillet to high heat. When the skillet is very hot, dip the tortilla in the enchilada sauce, carefully and quickly butter the skillet and place the soaked tortilla in the hot skillet.
    • Add the cheese and meat to the tortilla; once the tortilla has begun to brown, fold one-half of the tortilla over. If needed, flip the tortilla to brown the other side until it is crisp. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    • This recipe serves 6 people, with three tacos being a serving size.
    • If using a carb balance street taco three tacos has 523 calories, 31 grams of fat, 158 grams of cholesterol, 1530 grams of sodium, 35 carbs, 26 grams of fiber, 0.7 grams of sugar, 49 grams of protein. NET CARBS: 9

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.25 of meat (see notes for full taco nutrition)Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 31gFat: 14.1gCholesterol: 120.9mgSodium: 802mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 0.5g
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!