Mostly associated with comfort food, slow cooker dinners are a staple in many households. For fans of Mexican cuisine, there’s an exciting opportunity to combine the two and experience something truly special.
Fresh, fun, vibrant, and just a little spicy; these recipes will add a much-needed boost to your weekly meal rotation.
Crockpot Mexican Casserole

Sometimes I find myself torn between the vibrant colors and the bold flavors that Mexican cuisine has to offer. Every dish seems to burst with excitement, and you just know it’s going to be a culinary experience like no other. This particular casserole is a perfect embodiment of both – its appearance is visually appealing, and its ingredients are not only tantalizing but also surprisingly healthy.
With ground turkey as the protein source, an abundance of vegetables, and quinoa adding fiber and texture, you can indulge in an extra scoop without feeling too much guilt.
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Sometimes, it’s hard to resist the allure of a rich and indulgent soup, especially when it’s filled with succulent chicken pieces nestled in a velvety blend of enchilada sauce, cream cheese, and melted mozzarella. The combination is nothing short of heavenly, and for those days when you crave something more comforting than the previous taco-inspired recipe, this creamy delight is sure to hit the spot.
Slow Cooker Chicken Pozole

Taking centre stage in traditional Mexican cuisine, there are several variations of this hearty and delicious soup that have captured hearts worldwide. The poblano pepper, in particular, has been a long-time favorite of mine, recalling my days working in a steakhouse where we crafted a spicy sauce to pair with our signature braised short ribs. To elevate the dish, try incorporating additional chicken into the pot and allowing all the ingredients to cook together harmoniously.
This will enable you to pull out the excess, rich in flavor, for later use while simultaneously shredding the necessary portions required for the soup itself.
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup

Yellow flags waving high in excitement, this chicken fajita soup is a game-changer! You can mix and match an assortment of peppers to create a vibrant and visually appealing bowl. Don’t worry if you don’t have the exact same variety as me – use what’s available in your pantry or fridge.If heat isn’t your thing, feel free to skip the jalapeños altogether. However, if you’re like me and crave that extra kick, be sure to pick a spicy salsa to add an unforgettable zing.
Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

We lavish praise on fajitas in our household, where chicken and peppers take center stage. The use of salsa as a cooking liquid is particularly appealing to us, as it allows the meat to absorb flavors right from the pot itself. Furthermore, the addition of lime and honey at the end is nothing short of transformative, adding an unparalleled depth of flavor to this classic dish.
Chili’s Queso (Slow Cooker Version)

Vacation mode activated! Who wouldn’t be thrilled with a simple yet satisfying dinner of queso and chips?! This recipe is incredibly close to the authentic version, making it perfect for when you crave that same flavor without much fuss. To ensure your cheese melts evenly, cut it into small cubes before cooking, and if you’re a fan of spicy food, feel free to add some diced jalapeños to give it an extra kick.
Crockpot Mexican Lasagna Stack Up

Sometimes mealtime can be a challenge, especially when trying to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. This recipe is an excellent solution for those looking for meatless options. It’s incredibly easy to incorporate faux-chicken or tofu into the mix, and I’m confident that even the most discerning palates won’t be able to tell the difference.
Crockpot Tamale Pie

Often, people’s aversion to cornbread stems from a single disappointing experience. However, I firmly believe that one bad encounter shouldn’t be enough to dismiss the entire dish. In many parts of the United States, particularly in the South, cornbread is an integral component of traditional meals, often served alongside chili. The subtle sweetness of the cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the hearty, savory flavors of the chili.
For those looking to elevate this classic combination, I recommend trying a recipe for jalapeño cornbread, which adds a spicy kick to the mix.
Crockpot Tortilla Soup

Speaking of soups, I’m quite particular about the texture and ingredients used in mine. While a simple broth can be satisfying, it’s often the addition of vegetables that makes it feel more substantial and filling. In this particular recipe, there’s no shortage of exciting fillings – black beans add protein, corn provides natural sweetness, diced tomatoes bring a burst of freshness, minced garlic adds depth, grilled chicken adds texture, and crunchy corn tortillas on top add a delightful crunch.
The only thing that would take it to the next level is a thick slice of crispy, cheesy no-knead bread – the perfect accompaniment to this hearty soup.
Slow Cooker Creamy Fiesta Chicken

Looking at this fantastic chicken recipe, one might think it’s similar to a Mexican-inspired chicken curry. The dish boasts an impressive array of flavors, a rich and creamy sauce, and is elevated even further when served alongside a side of fluffy rice. It’s worth noting that using frozen chicken can compromise the texture of the final product, which is why fresh chicken is preferred for this recipe.
If you’re looking to adjust the level of spiciness in your dish, it’s surprisingly easy to do by swapping out the salsa and opting for a milder or more intense alternative.
Chile Verde Stew in the Slow Cooker

Smooth and rich in flavor, chili verde is surprisingly simple to prepare. While the ingredients may seem straightforward – roasted tomatillos, peppers, cilantro, and oregano being the foundation of this dish – a bit of TLC (tender loving care) is required to bring out its full potential. This entails carefully prepping the veggies to ensure they’re at their best, rather than just meeting the minimum requirements.
But trust us when we say it’s well worth the extra effort, especially when paired with fork-tender pork. The end result is so delicious that you’ll find yourself wanting to pour it over not only your meat of choice but also other dishes in need of a flavor boost.
Slow Cooker Beef Burritos

Zeroing in on the details, it’s clear that the magic of this recipe lies in its unique approach to assembly. While it may seem counterintuitive at first, leaving the tortillas until later is actually a clever way to avoid making a mess – or so I thought! In reality, you’ll only be filling up the Crockpot with the delicious contents, allowing you to focus on the fun part: assembling the burritos themselves.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, go ahead and get creative with your toppings – after all, it’s not like you’ll be worrying about messy tortillas! Once your beef is cooked to perfection, simply fill up those burritos and bake them with some tomato sauce and cheese, just as you would for a batch of enchiladas.
Crispy Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooked Pulled Pork)

Fragrant aromas fill the air when cooking Carnitas, a slow-cooked pork dish that yields a delightful contrast between tender and crispy textures. Half of each bite is characterized by its melt-in-your-mouth softness, while the other half boasts a perfectly satisfying crunch. What sets Carnitas apart from other types of pulled pork is the unique flavor profile it achieves through the inclusion of orange juice in the cooking process, infusing the meat with an unmistakable zesty sweetness.
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn

For corn on the cob enthusiasts, there’s no denying that this classic side dish is virtually impossible to mess up. When you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying accompaniment, throwing in some melted butter and a sprinkle of salt will surely do the trick and leave everyone craving more.
However, elevate your game by incorporating a pinch of chili powder, a dash of garlic salt, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a generous sprinkling of crumbly cotija cheese – it’s an effortless yet transformative addition that will take this comforting dish to new heights.
Slow Cooker Refried Beans

Just as the name suggests, refried beans are typically made by cooking and mashing beans, but that’s a basic version. To elevate it to new heights, why not take inspiration from more complex recipes? This particular recipe takes a different approach, using caramelized onions with a slightly charred flavor, combined with rich butter to add an unmistakable depth of flavor and silky smoothness.
Chile Relleno Dip

Zestfully combining flavors in one dish can be a challenge, but this recipe achieves it beautifully. While it’s originally designed for a skillet, its adaptability makes it easy to convert into a slow cooker delight by mixing all the ingredients and allowing them to meld together on low heat for approximately 90 minutes.
A crucial step in preparing the peppers through roasting cannot be overlooked, as their sweetness adds depth to the dish; however, the level of spiciness will ultimately depend on the type of chilies you choose to use.
Slow Cooker Caldo de Pollo

Dive into the world of comfort food and discover why chicken soup remains a timeless favourite. It’s a universal remedy for when we’re feeling under the weather, but also a satisfying option for those looking to warm up on a chilly day. Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice and some diced chilies can breathe new life into this classic dish, injecting a burst of zesty flavour that elevates it to new heights.
Slow Cooker Mexican Picadillo Recipe

Wrapped in rich flavors and spices, this Mexican beef stew is a far cry from the traditional stews of old. The presence of golden raisins adds a delightful sweetness to each bite, a surprise twist that elevates the dish to new heights. With its cooking process mirroring that of most beef stews, after a few hours of simmering in a savory blend of stock and tomatoes, your tender beef will be infused with an explosion of flavors, making every spoonful a true culinary delight.
Slow Cooker Salsa

Adding a personal touch to your salsa can be just what it takes to elevate it from good to great. Have you ever bitten into a supposedly spicy salsa only to find it lacking in heat? Or perhaps you’ve encountered one that’s overwhelmed with sugar, completely throwing off the balance of flavors. Making your own salsa from scratch is surprisingly easy and offers the ultimate solution for getting exactly the flavor you desire.
One simple yet crucial step is to roast your vegetables before adding them to the pot. This will not only deepen their natural sweetness but also bring out a depth of flavor that’s sure to impress.
Mexican Hot Chocolate

Surprisingly, the addition of chili takes this indulgent drink to new heights. I’m a huge fan of combining chocolate and chili, as it perfectly complements the richness of the chocolate with a subtle kick. If you’re not fond of spicy flavors, feel free to omit the chili from your recipe. Unlike store-bought hot cocoa mixes that are loaded with sugar, this recipe uses high-quality real cocoa powder and rich chocolate to create an unparalleled level of decadence.

Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.





