Savory Shredded Beef Taco Filling
Indulge in a delightful twist on taco night with this Savory Shredded Beef Taco Filling. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to tender perfection, this recipe combines cubed beef stew meat with a zesty mixture of tomatoes and green chilies, infused with rich flavors from Worcestershire sauce and a blend of spices. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will elevate any taco experience, making it a family favorite for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Pair it with warm tortillas, fresh toppings, and your favorite sides for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef stew meat
1 1/2 lbs (cubed)
canned tomatoes and green chilies
1 (15 ounce) can (not prepared)
water
1/2 cup (not prepared)
beef bouillon cube
1 (not prepared)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (not prepared)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
onion powder
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
chili powder
1/4 teaspoon (not prepared)
taco seasoning
1 -2 tablespoons (not prepared)
cayenne pepper (optional)
1 -2 dashes (not prepared)
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the cubed beef stew meat with the canned tomatoes and green chilies, water, beef bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and chili powder.
2
Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and easily shreds.
3
Once cooked, remove the beef from the crockpot and let it cool slightly before shredding it with two forks. Place the shredded beef in a bowl.
4
Strain the liquid from the tomatoes and chilies, reserving 1/2 cup of the juice for later use.
5
In a food processor, combine the tomatoes, green chilies, and the reserved juice. Blend until smooth and no longer chunky.
6
Mix in the remaining spices: add 1-2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, plus any additional salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. If desired, add a dash of cayenne for heat.
7
Pour the blended sauce over the shredded beef, mixing until well combined. Serve the taco filling hot in tortillas or on a bed of lettuce, and enjoy with your favorite toppings!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this taco filling?
The main protein used in this recipe is 1 1/2 lbs of cubed beef stew meat.
How long does the beef need to cook?
The beef should be cooked on high in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours until it is tender enough to shred easily.
What type of canned tomatoes are recommended?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of tomatoes and green chilies.
How do I shred the cooked beef?
Once the beef has cooled slightly, you can shred it easily using two forks.
Is a food processor necessary for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the canned tomatoes, green chilies, and reserved juice into a smooth sauce.
How much water should I add to the slow cooker?
You should add 1/2 cup of water to the slow cooker along with the other initial ingredients.
What spices are used in the initial cooking phase?
Initial seasonings include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
Should I use a beef bouillon cube?
Yes, the recipe requires one beef bouillon cube for extra flavor.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
What do I do with the liquid from the canned tomatoes?
Strain the liquid from the tomatoes and chilies, reserving 1/2 cup of the juice to blend back into the sauce.
When do I add the taco seasoning?
The taco seasoning is added to the blended tomato sauce before mixing it with the shredded beef.
How much taco seasoning should I use?
You can use between 1 and 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, depending on your flavor preference.
Can I make this taco filling spicy?
Yes, you can add 1-2 dashes of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
How should the beef be prepared before cooking?
The beef stew meat should be cubed before being placed in the slow cooker.
Is the salt added all at once?
No, the salt is divided; part is added during initial cooking and the rest is added to taste at the end.
What are the suggested serving methods?
You can serve the filling hot in warm tortillas or on a bed of lettuce for a taco salad.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include taco, shredded beef, slow cooker, dinner, easy recipe, and Mexican cuisine.
How much onion powder is required?
The recipe uses a total of 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, divided between the cooking and seasoning phases.
How much garlic powder is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, divided into two parts.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that is perfect for taco night or gatherings.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a blender can be used to achieve the smooth sauce consistency required.
What is the total amount of beef used?
The recipe uses 1.5 pounds of beef stew meat.
Is the black pepper divided?
Yes, the 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper is divided between the start and the final seasoning.
What type of cuisine is this?
This recipe falls under Mexican cuisine.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to combine the cubed beef, tomatoes, chilies, water, bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, and initial spices in a slow cooker.
Do I cook the beef on high or low?
The recipe specifically instructs to cook the beef on high for 4-5 hours.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder.
Should the tomatoes be drained?
Yes, but you must reserve 1/2 cup of the juice to use in the blending process.
How do I finish the sauce?
Blend the tomatoes and chilies with the reserved juice until smooth, then add taco seasoning and other spices to taste.
Can I serve this with toppings?
Yes, it is recommended to enjoy this filling with your favorite fresh taco toppings.