If you’re a fan of flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth beef with a rich and spicy kick, then this Mexican Shredded Beef is a recipe you won’t want to miss. This dish is packed with savory spices, tender beef, and zesty ingredients that will transform any meal into something truly extraordinary.
Perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply served over rice, this Mexican shredded beef adds the kind of bold flavors you crave. With a few basic ingredients and a slow cook, you can create a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Mexican Shredded Beef
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients to make the best Mexican shredded beef:
- Chuck Roast or Brisket: These cuts of beef are perfect for slow cooking, as they break down beautifully and become incredibly tender.
- Taco Seasoning: If you have a favorite brand or prefer homemade seasoning, it will give your beef that signature Mexican flavor.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics form the base of your flavorful beef mixture.
- Tomato Paste: A rich, concentrated flavor that brings depth to the dish.
- Canned Green Chiles: These bring a subtle heat and flavor to balance the richness of the beef.
- Lime Juice: Adds a zesty and refreshing note that brightens the whole dish.
- Beef Broth: For moisture and to help create a delicious sauce.
How to Make Mexican Shredded Beef
- Sear the Beef: Begin by searing the chuck roast or brisket in a hot pan with a little oil. This will help lock in the flavors and juices, creating a nice brown crust. Don’t skip this step—it’s essential for depth of flavor.
- Prepare the Cooking Liquid: In a slow cooker, combine garlic, onion, taco seasoning, tomato paste, green chiles, lime juice, and beef broth. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined.
- Slow Cook the Beef: Add the seared beef to the slow cooker, making sure it’s fully covered by the cooking liquid. Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and can be shredded easily.
- Shred the Beef: Once the beef is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the cooking liquid and stir to coat it in all the delicious sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: This shredded beef is perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over a bed of rice. You can also pair it with your favorite sides, such as guacamole or Mexican rice.
Tips for the Best Mexican Shredded Beef
- Slow and Low: For the most tender shredded beef, the slow cooker is your best friend. Cooking it low and slow breaks down the meat’s fibers, making it juicy and easy to shred.
- Customize the Heat: If you like your beef spicy, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cooking liquid.
- Use Leftovers: The beauty of shredded beef is that it can be used in so many ways. Leftover beef makes great fillings for quesadillas, burritos, or even nachos!
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Variations and Substitutions
- Cut of Beef: If you don’t have chuck roast, you can use brisket, round roast, or flank steak. All of these will work well for shredding after slow cooking.
- Vegetarian Version: You can make a vegetarian version by using jackfruit as a substitute for beef. Jackfruit has a meaty texture that absorbs flavors well, making it a great alternative in this dish.
- More Heat: Want to kick up the spice? Add some diced serrano peppers or a couple of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker.
What to Serve with Mexican Shredded Beef
- Tacos or Burritos: This shredded beef is the perfect filling for soft corn or flour tortillas.
- Mexican Rice: A simple side of fluffy rice complements the savory beef beautifully.
- Guacamole and Salsa: The creamy avocado and tangy salsa balance the richness of the beef for a refreshing contrast.
- Refried Beans: Add a side of creamy refried beans to round out your meal.
Mexican Shredded Beef
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large skillet For searing the beef
- Forks For shredding the beef
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chuck roast or brisket
- 1 tbsp olive oil for searing
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 can green chiles
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Sear the beef in a hot skillet with olive oil until browned on all sides.
- In a slow cooker, combine garlic, onion, taco seasoning, green chiles, tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Add the seared beef to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Shred the beef using two forks and return it to the slow cooker to absorb the juices.
- Serve the shredded beef in tacos, burritos, or over rice, and garnish with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or chili powder to the cooking liquid.
- Shredded beef can be used for quesadillas, nachos, or burritos.
Nutrition
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sherry Eiler
Friday 7th of March 2025
Can’t believe how easy this was—tasted like a gourmet dish!
Frank Byrd
Friday 7th of March 2025
Absolutely delicious! A must-try for sure.