Pioneer Woman Shredded Beef Tacos

Pioneer Woman Shredded Beef Tacos are made using dried ancho chiles, dried New Mexico chiles, chuck roast, mozzarella cheese, and corn tortillas. This hearty Shredded Beef Tacos recipe is a dinner that takes about 250 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 10 people.

Pioneer Woman Shredded Beef Tacos Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 5 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeds removed
• 5 dried New Mexico chiles, stemmed and seeds removed
• 4 dried chile de arbol, stemmed and seeds removed
• 4 Roma tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 white onion, cut into quarters
• 8 cloves garlic, peeled
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 pounds chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 dried bay leaves

For the Tacos:

• 20 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 4 limes, each cut into wedges

How To Make Pioneer Woman Shredded Beef Tacos

1. Preheat oven: Adjust the oven’s temperature to 300 degrees F to prepare for slow cooking the beef.
2. Prepare chile mixture: Combine the ancho, New Mexico, and de arbol chiles, along with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and beef broth in a large pot.
3. Simmer chile mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing for about 12 to 14 minutes.
4. Sear the beef: While the chile mixture simmers, heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
5. Season and brown beef: Season the chuck roast cubes generously with salt and pepper, then sear them until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes per batch, then transfer to a plate.
6. Blend chile mixture: Use an immersion blender to puree the chile-tomato mixture until it forms a smooth sauce.
7. Combine and cook: Add the pureed sauce to the Dutch oven, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom; return the seared beef with any juices, stir in apple cider vinegar, spices, and herbs, and bring to a simmer.
8. Braise the beef: After combining all ingredients in the Dutch oven, cover it and transfer to the preheated oven; let the beef cook slowly until it is tender enough to be easily shredded, about 3 hours.
9. Shred the beef: Remove the cooked beef from the oven, place it in a bowl, and use two forks to pull it apart into shreds.
10. Prepare tacos: Heat each tortilla on a griddle over medium heat, dip it in the braising liquid, and add mozzarella, beef, onion, and cilantro before folding.
11. Cook tacos: Place the folded tacos back on the griddle and cook until crisp, about 30 to 45 seconds on each side.
12. Serve: Arrange the crispy tacos on a platter, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and enjoy with extra braising liquid on the side for an added flavor boost.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh spices: Refresh your spice cabinet to ensure the cumin, coriander, and oregano impart the most flavor to your tacos.
• Opt for quality beef: Choose a well-marbled chuck roast for this recipe; the fat renders down during cooking, making the meat succulent and tender.
• Control the heat: Adjust the number of chile de arbol peppers if you prefer a milder flavor, as these can add significant spice to the dish.
• Sear the meat properly: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the beef; doing this in batches ensures a good sear and builds a flavor base.
• Enhance with garnishes: Consider adding pickled red onions or a dollop of sour cream to complement the rich, spicy flavors of the tacos.

What To Serve Shredded Beef Tacos

Serve your Shredded Beef Tacos with grilled corn on the cob, avocado salad, jalapeño cheddar scones, cucumber tomato salsa, and black bean soup.

You can also pair them with queso fresco-topped nachos and a spicy mango slaw for a refreshing contrast to the rich beef.

How To Store Leftovers Shredded Beef Tacos

Refrigerate: Place leftover shredded beef in an airtight container; pour a little braising liquid over it to keep the meat moist. This can be refrigerated for up to four days.

Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the texture of the tortillas and toppings may degrade, making them less enjoyable when reheated.

How To Reheat Leftovers Shredded Beef Tacos

In The Oven: Spread the leftover shredded beef on a baking tray, lightly cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain the meat’s moisture and texture.

In The Microwave: Place the shredded beef in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

In The Air Fryer: For a quick reheat, spread the beef in the air fryer basket and heat at 320 degrees F for about 4-5 minutes. This method revives the beef’s crispy edges nicely.

Pioneer Woman Shredded Beef Tacos Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving

• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 490mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Vitamin D: 0.2µg
• Calcium: 176mg
• Iron: 5mg
• Potassium: 889mg

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of tortillas works best for this recipe?

Corn tortillas are preferred for their flavor and texture, which complement the rich, spicy beef. Ensure they are fresh and heat them properly to make them pliable and slightly crispy for the best taco experience.

Is it possible to make the beef filling ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can prepare the beef filling in advance. Cook it as directed, then cool and store it in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to reheat and serve, saving time on busy days or for dinner parties.

How do I know when the beef is properly cooked and tender?

The beef should be cooked in the oven until it’s tender enough to shred easily with forks. This typically takes about 3 hours at 300 degrees F. It’s ready when you can pull it apart without resistance.

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Garlic Bread
• Pioneer Woman French Bread Pizza
• Pioneer Woman Pull Apart Cheese Bread