Smoky Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos with Slaw
Tender, smoky beef meets a zesty, crunchy slaw for tacos that are anything but ordinary.
Total: 80 minPrep: 20 minCook: 60 min4 servingsDifficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, minced
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 small cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- 1 Season beef with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 2 Sear beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then transfer to a slow cooker.
- 3 Add minced chipotle chili and water to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- 4 Shred beef with two forks once tender.
- 5 For slaw, mix cabbage with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
- 6 Warm tortillas in a skillet.
- 7 Assemble tacos with shredded beef and top with slaw.
Equipment
- Slow cooker or pressure cooker
- Skillet
Variations
- Add diced tomatoes and black beans to the slaw for extra texture.
- Substitute beef with shredded pork for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions
- If chipotle in adobo is unavailable, use a pinch of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika for a similar smoky heat.
Pairings
- Corn salsa
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
Nutrition
Calories:
500 kcal
Fat:
25g fat
Carbs:
25g carbohydrates
Protein:
40g protein
Fiber:
5g fiber
Sugar:
5g sugar
Sodium:
800mg sodium
Tips
- For a quicker version, use a pressure cooker for about 45 minutes instead of a slow cooker.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle chili to control the spice level.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat tacos in a microwave or oven.
Freezing: Freeze shredded beef separately from slaw for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh lime wedges and a side of avocado slices.
- Pair with a cold Mexican beer or a tangy margarita.
FAQ
Can I use beef brisket instead?
Yes, beef brisket works well but may require a bit longer to tenderize.