Tender Mexican Shredded Beef for Tacos
This easy and versatile recipe for Mexican shredded beef is perfect for filling tacos, nachos, burritos, or serving over rice. Infused with a savory blend of spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb all the flavors, resulting in tender, juicy meat that shreds easily. Adaptable to your needs, this recipe can be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd or to meal prep for the week ahead. Plus, the spice mixture is equally great for chicken, so you can experiment with different proteins!
6
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef stew meat
1 lb (trimmed of all fat)
water
3/4 cup
garlic salt
1 teaspoon
chili powder
1 tablespoon
white vinegar
2 teaspoons
oregano
1 teaspoon (crushed)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1 dash
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the beef stew meat, water, garlic salt, chili powder, white vinegar, crushed oregano, cumin, and pepper.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
4
After 2 hours, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Allow the mixture to boil for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water has evaporated and the beef is coated in a flavorful sauce.
5
Remove the beef from heat and, using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the pan, stirring to combine it with the remaining juices.
6
Serve the shredded beef in tacos, nachos, or your preferred dish, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
2g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tender Mexican Shredded Beef?
It is a versatile, savory dish made from beef stew meat slow-cooked with a blend of Mexican spices until tender and easy to shred.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for beef stew meat, trimmed of all fat.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What are the main spices used in this Mexican beef?
The spice blend includes chili powder, garlic salt, crushed oregano, cumin, and a dash of pepper.
How long does it take to cook the beef until it is tender?
The beef needs to simmer covered for about 2 hours, followed by an additional 15 minutes of boiling uncovered.
Why is white vinegar added to the recipe?
White vinegar helps to tenderize the meat and adds a subtle tang that complements the savory spices.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it can be easily doubled or tripled and used in various dishes throughout the week.
What are some serving suggestions for the shredded beef?
You can serve it in tacos, nachos, burritos, or over a bed of rice.
Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Yes, the spice mixture works equally well with chicken if you prefer a different protein.
How do I shred the beef after it is cooked?
Remove the beef from the heat and use two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides about 15 grams of protein.
Are there many carbohydrates in this recipe?
No, it is a low-carb option with only 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to brown the meat before simmering?
No, the instructions specify combining all ingredients in a saucepan and bringing them to a boil without prior browning.
How much water is needed for the cooking process?
You will need 3/4 cup of water for 1 pound of beef.
What is the purpose of boiling the mixture uncovered at the end?
Boiling uncovered for the last 15 minutes allows the excess water to evaporate so the beef becomes coated in a concentrated, flavorful sauce.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It contains chili powder and cumin which provide a traditional Mexican flavor profile, but it is generally considered mild to medium.
How much chili powder should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
What type of oregano should be used?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of crushed oregano.
Can I cook this for a large crowd?
Yes, the recipe is highly adaptable and can be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
What is the cooking liquid composed of?
The cooking liquid consists of water, white vinegar, and the juices released from the beef and spices.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific spice labels to ensure no cross-contamination.
What should I do with the beef after shredding it?
Return the shredded beef to the pan and stir it to combine with the remaining flavorful juices.
Can this be used for beef stew?
While it uses beef stew meat, the result is a dry shredded meat for tacos rather than a traditional liquid-based stew.
How much garlic salt is required?
You will need 1 teaspoon of garlic salt.
Is the beef very tender?
Yes, the slow simmering process ensures the beef is tender enough to shred easily with forks.
Can this be served over rice?
Yes, serving the shredded beef over rice is a recommended serving option.
What tags define this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as Mexican, shredded beef, tacos, nachos, easy recipe, beef stew, meal prep, and flexible.