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3.5 from 18 votes

Savory Mexican Shredded Beef - 3 Easy Methods

This easy, all purpose shredded beef recipe has a Mexican/Southwestern flair. Use pantry staples to season the beef chuck roast and use your Instant Pot, Slow Cooker or Dutch oven to make heavenly, pulled beef for all your favorite recipes. Freezes well.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 238 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American , Mexican

Ingredients

FOR THE SPICE RUB:
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
FOR THE SHREDDED BEEF:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds chuck roast or beef brisket
  • 1 cup diced onion (yellow or white)
  • 1 Jalapeño seeded and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 10 ounce can ro-tel original
SERVE WITH:
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • cilantro chopped

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a small bowl, add the salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika and onion powder. Stir well to combine and set aside.
  2. Trim the chuck roast of any obvious fat and discard. Cut the beef into large chunks (about 2") and sprinkle with the spice rub. Use your hands to massage the rub into the beef so each piece is well coated. Set aside.
TO COOK BEEF IN THE INSTANT POT:
  1. Turn on the "saute" function and let the element heat up. Add the olive oil and when it's sufficiently hot (and slicks across the surface of the pot, add the chunks of seasoned beef. Cook for 5-10 minutes to brown the beef.
  2. Add the chopped onion, jalapeno and garlic and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the can of Ro-Tel, place the lid on the Instant Pot and set to high pressure. (Make sure the release valve is sealed). Cook for 50 minutes at high pressure, then let the pressure subside naturally for 10 minutes. Use the quick release to stop the cooking.
  4. Use tongs or two forks to shred the beef and mix gently with the vegetables and liquid. Note: if there's too much liquid in the pot, you can spoon some off until it's the consistency you want.
TO COOK BEEF IN THE SLOW COOKER:
  1. If you're browning the beef before braising, heat oil in a heavy skillet and add the seasoned roast to the skillet. Cook 3-5 minutes per side until browned. Transfer the roast to the slow cooker.
  2. If you're not browning, there's no need to use the olive oil. Add the onion, jalapenos, garlic and Ro-Tel to the slow cooker. Rest the seasoned beef on top of the vegetables. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is fall apart tender.
  3. Shred the beef with BBQ shredders, tongs or two large forks. Note: you can also use a chef's knife to chop the beef.
WHAT ABOUT THE EXCESS LIQUID?
  1. Though there isn't a lot of liquid added to the beef braise initially, the juices from the meat and vegetables will create a lot of additional sauce. It's very flavorful and you can use it as a sauce to drizzle on tacos or use as a dip for sandwiches (like a French dip). If there's too much liquid in the pot, drain it off into a bowl or glass measuring cup. You can use the drippings as is to drizzle or dunk a pulled beef sandwich into.To thicken the sauce simmer for 15 minutes over medium to medium high heat, stirring occasionally to concentrate the flavors, then spoon it over tacos or enchiladas.

Nutrition Information

Calories 238kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 22g (44%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 78mg (26%) Sodium 317mg (13%) Potassium 494mg (14%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 180IU (4%) Vitamin C 7mg (8%) Calcium 43mg (4%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 238

% Daily Value*

Calories 238kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 22g 44%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 78mg 26%
Sodium 317mg 13%
Potassium 494mg 11%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 180IU 4%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 43mg 4%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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