Go Back
+ servings
Close-up of shredded beef tacos on a plate surrounded by toppings.

Shredded Beef Tacos

40aprons.com/shredded-beef-tacos/
These shredded beef tacos combine a little effort with a lot of flavor for the perfect entrée to feed a big group.
Prep 20 minutes
Cook 2 hours
Total 2 hours 20 minutes
Recipe Makes (Approximate): 8 tacos

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Paper towels
  • Large, heavy-bottomed pot with lid
  • Tongs
  • internal meat thermometer
  • 2 forks
  • Large skillet or microwave

Ingredients

For the Taco Seasoning

For the Beef

  • 3-4 pounds boneless beef roast
  • 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil (avocado oil, olive oil, etc.)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 6 tablespoons lime juice (juice of approximately 3 limes)

For the Tacos

  • 8 flour tortillas (6-inch or 8-inch)
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1 cup pico de gallo (optional)
  • crumbled queso fresco (optional)
  • chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • shredded romaine lettuce (optional)

Instructions

  • Add 2 tablespoons chili powder, ½ tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to small bowl. Whisk spices together until well incorporated, breaking up any clumps. Set bowl aside.
    Overhead view of shredded beef taco seasoning in a small white bowl.
  • Place 3-4 pounds boneless beef roast on flat surface. Pat all sides of beef roast completely dry with paper towels, then thoroughly coat all sides of beef roast with spice blend.
    Overhead view of uncooked beef roast covered in taco seasoning on a wooden cutting board.
  • Place large pot on stovetop over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil and continue heating pot until oil is hot and shimmery.
  • When oil is hot, place seasoned beef roast in pot. Sear beef roast 3 to 4 minutes or until lightly golden on bottom. Flip beef roast over and sear 3 to 4 minutes more. Repeat until all sides of beef roast are golden brown.
    Overhead view of seasoned beef roast in a large pot with olive oil.
  • Once beef is seared on all sides, add 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup orange juice, and 6 tablespoons lime juice to pot. Cover pot with lid and reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Cook beef roast 2 hours, then check doneness of beef with internal meat thermometer. Continue cooking beef as needed until beef is tender and internal temperature reaches 195° Fahrenheit.
  • Once target temperature is reached, transfer cooked beef roast to cutting board. Let roast rest 10 minutes.
  • While beef rests, reduce heat under pot to low and simmer sauce until reduced slightly.
  • After beef has rested 10 minutes, shred beef roast into small pieces using 2 forks. Return shredded meat to pot and stir to incorporate shredded meat into reduced sauce.

To Serve

  • Warm 8 flour tortillas in large skillet, or in microwave with individual tortillas layered between damp paper towels.
  • Serve shredded beef in warmed tortillas with desired toppings.

Recipe Notes

  • Warming Tortillas: To warm tortillas on an open flame, use this method.
  • Slow Cooker Method: Season the beef roast as written. Heat olive oil in large skillet and sear beef roast on all sides.Transfer beef roast to slow cooker with the beef broth, orange juice, and lime juice. Cover and cook 5 hours on low or 3 hours on high. Shred beef, then stir and cook uncovered another 30 minutes on high or 60 minutes on low. Assemble tacos with desired toppings and enjoy.
  • Leftover Beef: Refrigerate any leftover shredded beef in an airtight container up to 4 days. Freeze leftover shredded beef in an airtight container up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving Size: 1tacoCalories: 507calProtein: 38gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 117mgSodium: 1276mgPotassium: 722mgTotal Carbs: 30gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gNet Carbs: 28gVitamin A: 903IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 139mgIron: 6mg
Recipe By: Cheryl Malik
https://40aprons.com/shredded-beef-tacos/