16 Mexican-Inspired Slow Cooker Recipes for Flavorful Meals

Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo
Photo: Blaine Moats

Mexican food is steeped in tradition. Complex sauces simmer for hours and ingredients are handpicked for maximizing flavor and spice. These slow cooker Mexican-inspired recipes come together quickly, then take their time developing those delicious and deep flavors. Our ideas include tacos carnitas, beefy burritos, and an authentic tinga poblana. These meals will quickly become a tradition in your home.

01 of 16

Beef and Chipotle Burritos

Beef and Chipotle Burritos
Blaine Moats

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

02 of 16

Pork Ribs in Mole Verde

Pork Ribs in Mole Verde
Karla Conrad

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

Buy It: Crock-Pot 4-Quart Slow Cooker ($50, Bed Bath & Beyond)

03 of 16

Mexican-Inspired Tomatillo-Poblano Eggs

Mexican Tomatillo-Poblano Eggs
Carson Downing

The eggs aren't added to this slow cooker Mexican breakfast until the last 30 minutes or so, where they float in a hot bath of the tomatillo mixture until they've reached the ideal doneness. The fresh tomatillos, poblano peppers, and delicious blend of spices pack a powerful punch and make this an easy favorite for brunch.

04 of 16

Spicy Buffalo Tacos

Spicy Buffalo Tacos
Jason Donnelly

If you prefer, swap the buffalo meat for ground beef, 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 red and black beans in this slow cooker taco filling. Warm the tacos and finish them with your favorite toppings.

05 of 16

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Andy Lyons

Tortilla soup is served in restaurants and homes throughout Central Mexico, and this slow cooker recipe brings your home a version with just 15 minutes of prep work. Swap frozen vegetables for fresh ones, or keep things simple with what you have on hand. 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.

06 of 16

Slow Cooker Chilaquiles

Slow Cooker Chilaquiles
Andy Lyons

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, then 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.

Buy It: Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners ($4, Target)

07 of 16

Pulled Pork Enchiladas

Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Blaine Moats

Let your slow cooker 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 recipe will be ready to enjoy.

08 of 16

Mango-Chicken Tinga

Mango-Chicken Tinga
Karla Conrad

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

09 of 16

Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo

Jerk Pork Wraps with Lime Mayo
Blaine Moats

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

10 of 16

Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Easy Taco Soup
Jason Donnelly

Brown your ground beef before adding it to your slow cooker, so it has more time to soak in the fiery flavors of the taco seasoning and Mexican-style stewed tomatoes. 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.

11 of 16

Cola-Chipotle Pork Tortas

Cola-Chipotle Pork Tortas
Karla Conrad

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

12 of 16

Tinga Poblana

Tinga Poblana
Scott Little

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.

13 of 16

Lamb Birria with Barley and Dried Plums

Lamb Birria with Barley and Dried Plums
Karla Conrad

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.

14 of 16

Mexican-Inspired Meatball Stew

Mexican Meatball Stew
Jason Donnelly

Precooked frozen meatballs cut the prep time for this slow cooker Mexican stew down 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.

15 of 16

Slow-Cooked Beef Pozole

Slow-Cooked Beef Pozole
Karla Conrad

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

16 of 16

Chipotle Chicken-Avocado Lettuce Wraps

Chipotle Chicken-Avocado Lettuce Wraps
Jacob Fox

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

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