5 Slow Cooker Taco Recipes for Cinco de Mayo
By: Leah Rodrigues
Published: April 29, 2015

Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday this year so if you already have a full schedule, slow cooker tacos are the easiest way to celebrate.  The best part about taking advantage of the slow cooker is that you can start this dish in the morning and enjoy it by the time you arrive back home. Check out these slow cooker taco recipes for some Cinco de Mayo inspiration.
Vegan Refried Bean Tacos
Recipe from Vegan in the Freezer

Vegan slow cooked refried beans is a meat-free way to satisfy a craving for Mexican food. Pinto beans are cooked low and slow with onions, garlic, and spices. When the beans are cooked in this method, they absorb more flavor and become incredibly tender.  Spread the beans on a warm corn tortilla and serve with salsa, avocado, and shredded lettuce.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa
Recipe from Gooseberry Patch

Barbacoa is spiced shredded beef cooked with smoky spices, vinegar and tomato sauce.  This slow cooker version is mild but if you like heat, add a couple of jalapenos to the slow cooker.  The meat can be eaten with a side of rice and beans or served in tortillas for shredded beef tacos.
Slow Cooker Carnitas
Recipe from Bella Eats

Pork shoulder (also known as pork butt) is slowly cooked in citrus juice and spices until it falls apart into tender strands of meat.  This version is made even easier with the aid of the slow cooker.  You can place all the ingredients in a pot and forget about it.  I love eating carnitas with a fresh pineapple salsa and cotija cheese.
Shredded Chicken Tacos
Recipe from Cooking Classy

Slow cooker shredded tacos are an inexpensive but delicious Mexican inspired meal.  Chicken breasts are cooked for 4 to 6 hours with various spices like cumin, paprika, chili powder and cayenne pepper. To avoid a high spice bill, try to shop at spice stores that let you buy by weight as opposed to in containers.  Not only do they tend to be less expensive but often times fresher too.  Serve your slow cooker chicken in a warm tortilla with all your favorite toppings.
Korean Barbecue Tacos
Recipe from Little Leopard Book

Mexican Asian fusion has been popular for many years so naturally you will find the two come together in a taco.  In this case, chicken is cooker in a Korean barbecue sauce and paired with an Asian slaw studded with cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds, and more.