Savory and Delicious Shredded Beef Tacos Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs of beef chuck roast
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup of beef broth
  • 1/4 cup of lime juice
  • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup of shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup of diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream
  • 1/2 cup of guacamole

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the beef chuck roast to the skillet and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeño. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  4. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir until the spices are well combined with the onion, garlic, and jalapeño.
  5. Return the beef to the skillet and add the beef broth. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
  6. Remove the beef from the skillet and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the skillet and stir in the lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro.
  7. Heat the small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are warm and pliable.
  8. Assemble the tacos by placing some of the shredded beef on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
  9. Serve the shredded beef tacos immediately, garnished with additional chopped cilantro if desired.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to sear the beef and cook the shredded beef filling.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and chopping the jalapeño.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp chef's knife is needed for cutting the onion, garlic, and jalapeño.
  • Two forks - Two forks will be used to shred the cooked beef.
  • Lime juicer - A lime juicer can be used to extract the juice from the lime.
  • Skillet or griddle - A skillet or griddle is required to heat the corn tortillas.
  • Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping and handling the tortillas while heating them.
  • Serving platter - A serving platter is needed to present and serve the shredded beef tacos.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute beef chuck roast with pork shoulder for shredded pork tacos.
  • Use chicken breast or thigh instead of beef for shredded chicken tacos.
  • Try different spice blends such as a chipotle seasoning or a Mexican adobo blend for a unique flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different toppings like pickled onions, sliced avocado, or fresh salsa.
  • Replace corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a different texture.
  • Add a smoky kick by mixing in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce while simmering the beef.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with diced mushrooms or black beans.
  • Make it spicy by adding extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef during cooking.
  • Add a touch of sweetness by incorporating some pineapple chunks or pineapple juice to the beef.
  • For a healthier twist, serve the shredded beef over a bed of lettuce for a taco salad.

Recipe overview

Get ready for a mouthwatering culinary journey to Mexico with these Shredded Beef Tacos! This simple yet flavorful recipe offers tender, spiced beef cooked to perfection, served in warm corn tortillas and topped with a variety of vibrant colors and textures. The beef is slowly simmered with aromatic spices until it shreds effortlessly, giving you a succulent filling that pairs beautifully with fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, tangy sour cream, and smooth guacamole. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these tacos offer a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine right at your own kitchen. You'll love the combination of flavors and textures in every bite, and the best part is that you can customize the toppings to your liking. So gather your ingredients and let's start cooking these delicious Shredded Beef Tacos!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? Yes, you can use a different cut of beef such as beef brisket or flank steak, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
  2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Absolutely! You can sear the beef and sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapeño beforehand, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
  3. Can I make the shredded beef ahead of time? Yes, you can make the shredded beef ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos.
  4. What other toppings can I add to the tacos? You can get creative with toppings! Some popular options include diced avocado, chopped onions, sliced radishes, hot sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
  5. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? Certainly! You can use flour tortillas if you prefer. They will provide a slightly different taste and texture to the tacos.
  6. How spicy are these tacos? The level of spice can be adjusted to your preference. If you want a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the jalapeño and crushed red pepper flakes. If you enjoy spicier tacos, you can add more jalapeño or even some hot sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife for slicing the beef and other ingredients.
  • Skillet - A large skillet for searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
  • Forks - To shred the cooked beef.
  • Skillet or griddle - To warm the small corn tortillas.
  • Tongs - For flipping and handling the tortillas while warming.
  • Serving platter - A dish or platter to arrange and serve the tacos.
  • Garnish bowls - Small bowls or dishes to hold toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.

Origin stories

Tacos, the heart and soul of Mexican cuisine, trace their roots back thousands of years to the indigenous peoples of Mexico. Evidence suggests that indigenous people living in the lake region of the Valley of Mexico traditionally ate tacos filled with small fish. Over time, as the Spanish colonized Mexico, the dish evolved and took on new forms, incorporating a variety of ingredients such as beef, lettuce, and tomatoes, giving us the modern conception of the taco. As for our beloved shredded beef taco, it particularly hails from the North of Mexico where beef is a dietary staple. It's more than just a meal, it's a testament to the rich history and diverse culture of Mexico, every bite taking you on a gastronomical journey through time and tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.