I am a lover of two things: Mexican Food and Easy Dinners.
And the good news for those of us who love conveniences such as packing all the good stuff—flavor-wise and taste-wise—into one simple treat that you can throw together on a weeknight is that THIS LIST OF MEXICAN CROCKPOT RECIPES WAS MADE FOR YOU.
1. Slow Cooker Beef Burritos
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Burritos in a Crockpot? How does that not turn into a giant mess? I was right there with you!
The secret is that you’re actually just making the filling in the slow cooker, which is a total game-changer.
But if you’re like me and love things extra cheesy and saucy, you can totally get messy with it. Once that incredible beef is ready, just stuff your tortillas and bake them with a blanket of tomato sauce and melty cheese, just like enchiladas. It’s a win-win.
2. Chili’s Queso (Slow Cooker Version)
Who else would be perfectly happy with just a giant bowl of queso and chips for dinner?! *whole world raises hand*
This recipe is so much like the original, you’re going to want to make it all the time! Just be sure to cube up your cheese so it gets all melty and luscious that much faster. And if you like a little heat, you can absolutely throw in some jalapeños. YUM.
3. Slow Cooker Mexican Picadillo Recipe
This Mexican beef stew is definitely not your grandma’s recipe. For starters, it’s got a wonderful spice humming in the background. It also has golden raisins mixed in, which give you this surprising little pop of sweetness. I mean, what?!
Otherwise, it cooks up a lot like a classic beef stew. After a few hours in that blend of stock and tomatoes, your beef will be totally falling apart and packed with flavor. SO GOOD.
4. Crockpot Tortilla Soup
When I make soup, I either want it pureed completely smooth or absolutely loaded with goodies. A simple broth is nice, but I really need all those veggies to make it feel like a real meal.
Well, there’s definitely no shortage of delicious things in here! Black beans, corn, tomatoes, garlic, and chicken, with those crunchy corn tortillas right on top.
The only thing missing is a big slice of no-knead spicy cheese bread for dipping. Yes, please.
5. Crockpot Mexican Casserole
I can’t decide what I love more about Mexican food: the vibrant colors or the incredible flavors. Every single dish looks so inviting, and you just know it’s going to be ridiculously good.
This casserole is all of those things, and it happens to be pretty darn wholesome, too. With ground turkey, tons of veggies, and quinoa, you can have an extra scoop without any guilt. It’s the best of both worlds.
6. Slow Cooker Refried Beans
Look, refried beans can be pretty basic: just cook some beans, mash them up, and maybe toss in some seasoning. But let’s be real, this side dish is an incredible partner to everything from enchiladas to tamales, so why not make it amazing?
This recipe uses slightly charred, caramelized onions and butter to create a real depth of flavor and a silky richness that is just out of this world. You won’t regret it.
7. Slow Cooker Chicken Pozole
This traditional Mexican soup has a few variations, and it is so wonderfully hearty and delicious!
I’ve been a huge fan of poblano peppers for years, ever since I worked at a steakhouse where we made a spicy sauce for our braised short ribs. They’re just the best.
Here’s a little tip: toss in some extra chicken and let it all cook together. You can pull that extra chicken out—it’ll be loaded with amazing flavor—and save it for another meal while you shred what you need for this soup.
8. Mexican Hot Chocolate
This probably won’t surprise anyone, but this decadent little drink is made infinitely better with just a little pinch of chili.
I am obsessed with the chocolate and chili combo; the heat just complements the chocolate so perfectly. But feel free to leave it out if that’s not your thing.
Unlike those sugary packets of cocoa mix, this recipe uses real cocoa powder and chocolate to make sure it’s as rich and dreamy as possible. It’s pure bliss.
9. Chile Verde Stew in the Slow Cooker
Chile verde is actually pretty simple. All you really need are roasted tomatillos, peppers, cilantro, and oregano.
That said, it needs a little bit of love, and you’ll have to prep the veggies just right to get the best results. But oh my gosh, it is so worth it when you pour that glorious sauce over fork-tender pork.
You can always make it ahead, or just make a giant batch! It’s so good, you’ll want to put it on everything.
10. Crockpot Mexican Lasagna Stack Up
If you’re looking for some more meatless meals, this is one you definitely have to try. It’s so easy to add faux-chicken or tofu to this, and I bet no one will even notice.
When it’s all mixed in with that salsa, beans, corn, and cheese, even the biggest meat-eaters will have a hard time telling you’ve snuck in a meat substitute. It’s a weeknight wonder!
11. Crockpot Mexican Meatballs in Chipotle Sauce
Meatballs are always a family favorite. It doesn’t matter if you serve them with marinara and spaghetti or make something creamy like the Swedes do; you just know they’re going to fly off the plate.
For those of us who are addicted to a little heat, this recipe for Mexican meatballs is everything!
I just love the smoky spice you get from adobo peppers. If you make a big enough batch, you can serve these with pasta or pile them into a tasty meatball sub. A total home run.
12. Slow Cooker Enchilada Stack
Also known as Mexican lasagna, this amazing recipe uses tortillas instead of pasta sheets to build those distinct, yummy layers.
The most work you’ll have to do here is cook the beef and then stir a few ingredients together. So easy.
When it’s done, you’ll have a pot full of beef and bean lasagna with so much cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food.
13. Slow Cooker Mexican Rice (Spanish Rice)
Ever since my trusty rice cooker gave up on me, I’ve been making all my rice dishes right in my slow cooker.
While I still think everyone should own a rice cooker (they are ridiculously easy to use and make cooking rice a total breeze), the Crockpot is the next best thing.
This recipe is especially delicious, cooking the rice with stock, seasonings, and tomatoes to pack every single grain with maximum flavor.
14. Crockpot Tamale Pie
I’ve met so many people who say they hate cornbread just because they had one bad experience. I’ve made it my personal mission to prove them wrong!
Cornbread and chili are a match made in heaven. The slight sweetness of the cornbread just works so well with a savory bowl of meat and beans.
If you want to take this to the next level, try using this jalapeño cornbread instead. Life-changing.
15. Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
We are major fajita fans in my house. Bring on all the chicken and all the peppers, please and thank you. I just love that this recipe uses salsa to help cook the meat, soaking it in flavor right in the pot.
And if that wasn’t enough, the lime and honey at the end are just ridiculously good!
16. Slow Cooker Salsa
Making your own salsa might seem like a step you can skip, but how many times have you been let down by a “spicy” salsa that was secretly mild? Or a salsa that was just way too sugary?
Making it yourself is so easy and it’s the best way to get exactly the flavor you’re craving. I highly, highly recommend roasting your veggies before you add them to the pot. It deepens all the flavors and just makes everything better.
17. Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo
I think we can all agree that chicken soup is pure soul food. It’s warm, so filling, and just a winner no matter what.
The next time you’re feeling a little under the weather, or just craving a comforting bowl of soup, why not mix things up a bit? It’s as easy as adding some lime juice and maybe a few chilis.
That zesty lime brings a whole new level of freshness that elevates this classic dish in the best way possible.
18. Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn
If you’re a fan of corn on the cob, you know it’s hard to mess up this simple side dish. Just throw some butter and salt in the mix and you’re good to go.
But can I just say, adding a little chili powder, garlic salt, lime juice, and some crumbly cotija cheese needs to be your new go-to. It is just so, so good.
19. Slow Cooker Creamy Fiesta Chicken
This fantastic chicken is almost like a Mexican chicken curry. It has so much flavor, a wonderful creamy sauce, and it’s only made better when served over a pile of rice.
I don’t recommend using frozen chicken for this since it will change the consistency of the sauce. And remember, you can easily adjust the spice level just by using a different kind of salsa. It’s that simple!