These Shredded Beef Tacos deliver melt-in-your-mouth meat, perfect for Taco Tuesday!
Do you want to know what I think is the best thing about making shredded beef tacos? It’s the leftovers! Anyone who’s ever prepared a chuck roast in the slow cooker knows how amazing that meat tastes the next day, and the day after that. The more meat you make, the more you have to use for other meals.
Seriously—just think about it. There are so many ways to enjoy shredded beef. Top salads, add to soups, stuff enchiladas, make burritos or nachos, or enjoy your leftovers months from now after storing them in the freezer. It’s the perfect slow cooker recipe.
But what if you don’t own a slow cooker? No problem.
After you sear the meat until nicely browned on all sides, leave it in the pot with the broth, increasing the amount to one and a half cups. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and cook on low heat for about two to three hours. Be sure to check it every 15 minutes after reaching the two-hour mark. Once the meat is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork, it is done!
Use the shredded beef in these great recipes
Earlier, I mentioned a few ways to repurpose any extra meat from your tacos, so here are a few of my favorite recipes that work perfectly with beef instead of chicken:
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Substitute the shredded beef for the shredded chicken to give this recipe a heartier twist.
- Chicken Nachos Recipe: Use your leftover beef to make the most decadent nachos you’ve ever had.
- Chicken Corn Soup: For this recipe, skip step one and proceed directly to step two, adding shredded beef in step five. You can still use chicken broth or opt for beef broth, whichever you prefer.
How do I store leftovers?
Allow the shredded beef to cool within 2 hours, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, store the leftover meat in a freezer-safe container or zippered bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, defrost the meat in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Serving suggestions
One thing I learned years ago is that people enjoy making tacos to their own specifications. For that reason, I recommend offering a variety of toppings, including shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, Corn Salsa, Spicy Guacamole, Avocado Spread, and Salsa Roja. Add some Chipotle Pinto Beans, Instant Pot Black Beans, or Spanish Rice And Beans for a finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 2 pound boneless chuck roast trimmed
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/4 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup beef broth low sodium if available
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Warm corn tortillas about 12
- Chopped romaine lettuce for topping
- Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for topping
- Sour cream for topping
- Guacamole or diced avocado for topping
- Pico de gallo for topping
- Extra lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a large heavy pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until it develops a brown crust. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and garlic powder evenly over the beef in the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and add the lime juice. Stir gently to mix the spices with the liquid around the beef.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 3-5 hours until the beef is very tender and shreds easily with two forks. Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the juices and mix well so it absorbs the flavors.
- Warm the corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30-60 seconds or heating them in a dry skillet.
- Use tongs to scoop a generous amount of shredded beef onto each tortilla and top with chopped romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, guacamole or diced avocado, and pico de gallo. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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