Description
Mexican Shredded Beef is bold, tender, and packed with smoky flavor. Slow-cooked with spices, citrus, and tomato, this easy recipe is perfect for tacos, burritos, sliders, and more. Make it once, use it all week. Try it today and impress your family or guests!
Ingredients
Spice Mix:
1 1/2 tbsp chipotle powder (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp onion powder or garlic powder (or 1 tsp of each)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
Beef:
1–2 tbsp olive oil
3 lb beef chuck or brisket, cut into 4 pieces
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, diced
3/4 cup orange juice
2 tbsp lime juice
14 oz can crushed tomatoes
2 cups beef or chicken broth
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix the Spices: Stir together all the spice mix ingredients in a small bowl.
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over high heat and sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned. Set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and onion for 3 minutes.
- Deglaze the Pot: Add orange and lime juice. Scrape up any browned bits.
- Build the Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, broth, water, and remaining spice mix. Stir and return beef to the pot.
- Simmer: Cover, bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 hours. Uncover and simmer for another 30 minutes until beef is shreddable.
- Shred the Beef: Remove beef and shred with two forks.
- Reduce the Sauce: Simmer sauce uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken. Optionally blend for smooth texture.
- Combine: Return shredded beef to the sauce. Mix well.
- Time to Eat: Spoon onto warm tortillas and top with your favorite taco garnishes!
Notes
For slow cooker: Cook on low for 8 hours.
For Instant Pot: Pressure cook on high for 50 minutes.
Store beef and sauce separately for best texture.
Great for meal prep and freezing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, beef
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~323g
- Calories: 372
- Sugar: 4.3g
- Carbohydrates: 7.3g
- Protein: 53.8g