Shredded Beef Tacos with Chipotle Sauce
These Easy Shredded Beef Tacos with Chipotle Sauce combine tender, juicy beef with a smoky, spicy chipotle sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend taco nights, this recipe offers a deliciously simple way to enjoy bold Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal prep and flexible serving options.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours (depending on cooking method: Dutch oven or slow cooker)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking, Searing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely diced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups beef broth
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
Tacos
- 8–12 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced white onion, avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese, lime wedges
- Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast. Generously season all sides with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika to build deep, rich flavors.
- Sear the Meat: Heat a skillet over high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned and caramelized. This locks in juices and adds a robust flavor base.
- Create the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Stir in tomato paste, diced chipotle peppers in adobo, oregano, and beef broth to form a thick, smoky sauce.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Transfer the seared beef to a Dutch oven or slow cooker. Pour the chipotle sauce mixture over the beef, cover, and cook on low heat until the meat is tender and easily shredded—about 3-4 hours in a Dutch oven or 6-8 hours in a slow cooker.
- Shred and Mix: Remove the beef and shred it thoroughly with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the sauce and stir to coat every strand. Adjust seasoning with lime juice, salt, and pepper as needed.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm your tortillas until soft and pliable. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of shredded beef and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Sear the beef before slow cooking to trap flavor and retain moisture for juicy results.
- Use fresh corn or flour tortillas warmed for the best texture and taste.
- Adjust the heat by starting with one chipotle pepper and adding more to your preferred spice level.
- Let the cooked beef rest for 10 minutes before shredding to maintain juiciness.
- Customize toppings with fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, or cheese to elevate flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: shredded beef tacos, chipotle sauce, slow cooker beef, Mexican tacos, easy taco recipe, smoky beef tacos, gluten free tacos