Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cilantro-Lime Beef Machaca?
It is a tender shredded beef dish slow-cooked in a crockpot with green chilies, smoky seasonings, and fresh cilantro, perfect for Mexican-inspired meals.
Which cut of beef is recommended for this recipe?
A 1 1/2 lb boneless beef chuck roast is the ideal cut for achieving a tender and easy-to-shred texture.
How long does the beef need to cook?
The beef should be cooked on the low setting of a crockpot for 8 to 10 hours.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 31 grams of protein per serving.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts?
One serving contains 15 grams of fat and 7.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How do I shred the beef properly?
Once cooked and removed from the crockpot, use two forks to pull the beef apart into bite-sized pieces.
What should I do with the cooking liquid?
You should strain the cooking liquid and set it aside to add back to the shredded beef if a moister texture is desired.
What can I serve with Beef Machaca?
It is an excellent filling for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or chimichangas.
Can I substitute adobo seasoning?
Yes, if you do not have seasoned adobo seasoning, you can use 1 teaspoon of regular salt.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
How many peppercorns are needed?
The recipe uses 6 to 8 peppercorns for seasoning.
What kind of chilies are used?
The recipe uses one 4-ounce can of chopped green chilies.
Is dry mustard required?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of dry mustard are used to help season the roast.
Do I need to mix the ingredients before adding them to the crockpot?
Yes, combine the onion, chilies, bouillon, mustard, garlic, seasoning, and peppercorns in a separate bowl before pouring over the roast.
How much salsa is added at the end?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of salsa to be mixed with the shredded beef.
Should the beef be flat in the crockpot?
Yes, the instructions specify ensuring the roast is lying flat in the crockpot.
How many beef bouillon cubes are used?
Two beef bouillon cubes are required for this recipe.
Can I adjust the final seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the mixture at the end and add more salt and pepper as necessary.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including the beef, onion, chilies, and seasonings.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include beef machaca, shredded beef, crockpot recipe, spicy tacos, and Mexican cuisine.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and an easy dinner option.
What preparation is needed for the onion?
One large onion should be sliced before being added to the mixture.
Can I use this beef for chimichangas?
Yes, it makes a delicious filling for chimichangas along with other Mexican dishes.
How do I ensure the beef is moist?
By gradually adding some of the reserved cooking liquid to the shredded beef until you reach the desired consistency.
Does the recipe use fresh lime?
While the title mentions lime, the listed ingredients focus on the seasoning and salsa; lime juice can be added as a topping.
Is this a slow-cooker recipe?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be prepared in a crockpot.
How do I distribute the seasoning mixture?
Pour the mixture evenly over the roast in the crockpot to ensure it is thoroughly covered.
Can I use this for meal prepping?
Yes, shredded beef machaca is excellent for preparing large batches to use throughout the week.
What makes the beef tender?
The long, slow cooking process of 8-10 hours allows the chuck roast to become tender enough to pull apart easily.