Mexican Slow Cooker Night

About author / Christine Gable

Culinary enthusiast; kids cuisine and slow cooking; magazine recipe developer; professional writer. Her simple recipes are great for family dinners.

Quick: What’s your favorite Mexican food? Salsa, enchiladas, burritos, nachos …? Taco Bell? (Sorry, couldn’t resist).

Mexican food has become so popular that it’s not difficult to find a Mexican restaurant in just about any city or town. One of my favorites in our area is a Mexican restaurant by the name of El Serrano. They have done a stellar job of recreating authentic Mexico and its cuisine.

The exterior of the building resembles the classic Mexican hacienda, with an adobe exterior and grand entrance. Indoors it’s Spanish style courtyards complete with stucco interior walls and ceramic tiles and fountains. Every time I walk through the gated entrance I feel as though I’m walking into another time and place. Another world. And what a delight it is to settle in and gaze out the windows to the outdoor patio (even better to sit and relax there when the summer breezes are gently drifting by). Order a margarita, sit back, and let the day fade away. Then it’s just a matter of deciding which item to order from the menu. Oh, decisions, decisions. Each time I go there I try something new—and I haven’t been disappointed yet.

Is that music I hear? Oh yes, it’s the Mariachi ensemble, bringing the sounds of Mexico to our table. And let me tell you, that really is authentic Mexico: when we vacationed in Mexico, the Mariachi players would saunter right up to the table. Don’t know if they were relishing our American-touristy-uncomfortableness, but they really got into it. Personally I didn't need ‘em serenading me to make dinner any better (I’d rather NOT have ‘em focusing so much musical attention on me!).

The food was excellent in Mexico (I really am there more for the food than the Mariachi). Oh yes, atmosphere is pleasant, and it’s special to feel as though I’m being transported to another time and place, but it’s the good eatin’ that keeps me comin’ back for more.

How ‘bout you? Is your family a fan of Mexican fare? Even if you aren’t in favor or hot spicy dishes, Mexican food can be delicious served with mild seasoning (personally I like some heat to spice it up!).

In the interest of getting dinner on the table more weeknights, I recently wrote about my plan to try out International Cuisines night. That’s my latest brainstorm to help get me inspired at dinner time (something we could all use more of, eh?!). As you may have read recently, my idea was to try a new and different international twist on a regular common food that I may otherwise just plop in the crockpot and forget.

First week’s plan: Mexican. Can’t go wrong there, eh? And I created the perfect easy slow cooker recipe for you. Just make sure you have a boneless chuck roast and a packet of taco seasoning and you’ll be set.

This is a perfect meal to come home to when you want a southwestern meal all-ready-to-go. Just make sure you have soft tortillas, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, tomatoes, and/or shredded cheese and lettuce in the fridge and dinner will be ready in less time than it takes to set the table.

Serves/Makes: 6

• 1 1/2 pound flank steak
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut julienne
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut julienne
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 12 flour tortillas
• sour cream
• guacamole
• shredded cheese, Cheddar or Monterey Jack
• salsa
• chopped tomatoes
• lettuce