Juicy Mexican Shredded Beef Recipe for Effortless Taco Nights

Crafting an authentic mexican shredded beef brings warmth to any kitchen gathering.

Tender chunks of meat slow-cook into a mouthwatering delicacy that melts effortlessly.

Rich spices infuse each bite with incredible depth and character.

Family traditions often revolve around such comforting dishes that spark memories.

Carefully selected ingredients create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Regional techniques passed through generations make this recipe truly special.

Prepare to savor a culinary journey that connects you with mexico’s vibrant cooking heritage.

Mexican Shredded Beef Highlights

• Savor Authentic Flavor Explosion: Dive into a culinary journey with bold Mexican spices that transform ordinary beef into a mouthwatering sensation, bringing restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
• Master Complex Cooking with Ease: This recipe breaks down intricate cooking techniques into simple steps, allowing home cooks of all skill levels to create a professional-grade dish without intimidation.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Perfectly adaptable for tacos, burritos, nachos, or standalone protein, this shredded beef becomes your go-to recipe for multiple meal options that will impress family and friends.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Comfort: Slow-cooked to tender perfection, this recipe delivers rich, deep flavors that simulate the expertise of a skilled Mexican restaurant chef, making every bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients for Mexican Shredded Beef

• Beef: A tender cut of meat that becomes succulent and flavorful when slow-cooked with aromatic spices and juices.

• Chipotle Powder, Paprika, Dried Oregano, Ground All Spice, Coriander Powder, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: A robust blend of spices that creates a deep, complex flavor profile for the Mexican shredded beef.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds depth and traditional Mexican flavor to the dish.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base that complements the spices and meat.
• Orange Juice, Lime Juice: Citrus juices that tenderize the meat and add a bright, tangy element to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Contribute a rich, slightly acidic base that helps create a thick and flavorful sauce.
• Beef Broth, Chicken Broth, Water: Liquid components that help braise the beef and create a moist cooking environment.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the meat and sautéing the aromatics, adding a subtle richness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Mexican Shredded Beef

Step 1: Create Flavor Explosion

• Chipotle powder
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Ground allspice
• Coriander powder
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 2: Massage Beef with Spices

Generously sprinkle spice mixture over beef pieces.

Use hands to massage spices deeply into meat, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Sear and Develop Color

Heat olive oil in large heavy pot over high heat.

Add beef in batches to prevent overcrowding. Brown meat on all sides until deep golden color develops.

Transfer seared pieces to separate plate.

Step 4: Build Aromatic Base

Reduce heat to medium.

Add additional oil if needed. Toss in minced garlic and diced onions.

Sauté until soft and translucent, releasing sweet fragrant notes.

Step 5: Wake Up the Flavors

Pour orange and lime juices into pot.

Use wooden spoon to scrape browned bits from bottom, unlocking hidden flavor foundations.

Step 6: Liquid Magic

Add crushed tomatoes, broth, water, and remaining spice mixture.

Stir thoroughly. Return beef to pot, ensuring meat is completely submerged.

Step 7: Slow Transformation

Cover pot and bring to gentle simmer. Reduce heat and let beef cook slowly.

Allow meat to become incredibly tender over approximately two hours.

Step 8: Shred and Concentrate

Remove lid and continue simmering.

Extract beef and shred using two forks. Let sauce reduce and concentrate flavors.

Step 9: Perfect Consistency

Continue simmering uncovered. Adjust seasoning with additional salt.

Optional: Use immersion blender to create silky smooth sauce.

Step 10: Final Embrace

Reunite shredded beef with sauce.

Mix thoroughly. Serve hot with sauce generously coating meat.

Tips to Perfect Mexican Shredded Beef

• Use high-quality beef chuck roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor in this Mexican shredded beef recipe.
• Control the heat level by adjusting the chipotle powder – less for mild, more for a spicy kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Break down tough meat fibers by cooking slowly at low temperature, which guarantees melt-in-your-mouth texture every single time.
• Enhance depth of flavor by selecting fresh citrus fruits for orange and lime juice, ensuring bright and vibrant taste notes throughout the dish.
• Store leftover shredded beef in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick meal preparations like tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.

Flavor Variations of Mexican Shredded Beef

• Slow Cooker Variation: Replace stovetop cooking with a slow cooker. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef becomes tender and easily shredded.
• Instant Pot Mexican Beef: Utilize pressure cooker method for faster cooking. Combine ingredients in Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then natural release for maximum tenderness.
• Lean Protein Alternative: Substitute beef with chicken thighs or pork shoulder for similar texture and flavor profile. Adjust cooking time slightly based on meat type.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with jackfruit or plant-based meat alternatives. Use similar spice mixture and cooking technique to maintain authentic Mexican flavor characteristics.

Best Pairings with Mexican Shredded Beef

• Wrap the shredded beef in warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for an authentic street food experience.
• Select a bold Tempranillo or Malbec from Argentina to balance the rich, spicy flavors of the beef, cutting through the meat's intense seasoning and providing a smooth drinking experience.
• Create a tangy jicama slaw with lime vinaigrette or a fresh pico de gallo to provide a crisp, cool contrast to the warm, spicy beef, enhancing the overall meal's complexity.

Storage Tips for Mexican Shredded Beef

• Refrigerate: Store the shredded beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the meat completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its quality.
• Freeze: Transfer the beef to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring the meat remains fully submerged in sauce to prevent freezer burn.
• Microwave Reheating: Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed and steaming.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm the beef in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or water to maintain moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating throughout the meat.

FAQs

• Why use multiple spices in the seasoning?

Different spices create a complex flavor profile that adds depth and authenticity to Mexican shredded beef. Each spice contributes a unique taste element, making the meat more interesting and delicious.

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use chuck roast, brisket, or round roast. These cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to become tender during the long, slow cooking process. Choose a cut with good marbling for the best results.

• How do I know when the beef is fully cooked and tender?

The beef is ready when it easily falls apart and can be shredded with two forks. This typically occurs after about 2 hours of slow simmering. The meat should be so tender that it almost melts in your mouth.

Mexican Shredded Beef Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Authentic Mexican shredded beef enchiladas deliver bold flavors from traditional Mexican cuisine. Slow-cooked tender meat melts in your mouth, inviting spice enthusiasts to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.5 kg) beef chuck or brisket, divided into 4 equal portions
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely diced (yellow, brown, or white)
• 1.5 tbsps chipotle powder (adjust for desired spiciness)
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 3/4 cup (185 ml) orange juice
• 14 oz (400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups (500 ml) beef or chicken broth
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) water
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tsps either onion powder or garlic powder (or 1 tsp of each)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1–2 tbsps olive oil
• Additional salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust spice blend by thoroughly mixing chipotle powder, paprika, dried oregano, ground allspice, coriander powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Generously coat beef pieces with approximately four teaspoons of the prepared spice mixture, pressing the seasonings firmly into the meat’s surface.
3. Heat olive oil in a heavy-based pot over high heat, then sear beef pieces in batches until deeply caramelized on all sides, transferring browned meat to a separate plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic and diced onion for roughly three minutes, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
5. Deglaze the pot by pouring orange and lime juices, using a wooden spoon to scrape up flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
6. Incorporate crushed tomatoes, broth, water, and remaining spice mixture into the pot, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
7. Return browned beef to the liquid, ensuring complete submersion, then cover and simmer gently for 2 hours at low heat.
8. After beef becomes tender, remove the lid and continue simmering for 30 minutes to concentrate the sauce, simultaneously shredding the meat with two forks.
9. Allow sauce to reduce uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed and optionally puréeing for a smoother consistency.
10. Reunite shredded beef with the reduced sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure even coating, and serve with extra sauce for drizzling.

Notes

• Choose well-marbled beef cuts like chuck roast or brisket for maximum flavor and tenderness during slow cooking.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chipotle powder and black pepper according to personal heat preference.
• Enhance depth by replacing water with additional broth or adding a splash of dark beer during simmering.
• Optimize texture by cooking low and slow, allowing connective tissues to break down completely for melt-in-your-mouth results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 298 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg