Get ready for these tasty Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos! The beef is cooked until it’s super tender and mixed with a sweet and spicy honey chipotle sauce. Yum!
These tacos are a hit at my house. I love piling them high with fresh toppings—avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Who doesn’t want a taco night that’s simple and delicious? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is great for slow cooking. It becomes tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a lighter option, brisket or pork shoulder works too!
Honey: The honey adds sweetness, balancing the heat from chipotle. If you’re vegan, try using maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar effect.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These give the tacos a smoky kick. If you don’t have them, you can use smoked paprika plus a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a similar flavor.
Beef Broth: This adds depth to the flavor. For a lighter version, vegetable broth can be used. You could even make it with chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good substitute, but it will change the flavor slightly!
How Can I Ensure My Beef Is Perfectly Tender?
To get tender, easily shreddable beef, the slow cooker method is key. Cooking at low temperatures allows the collagen in the meat to break down, making it juicy and soft. Follow these steps:
- Put the beef in the slow cooker with the marinade. Make sure it’s fully covered for even cooking.
- Use low heat for 8 hours for best results, or the high setting for 4-5 hours if you’re short on time, but low is the way to go for ultimate tenderness!
- After it’s cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding to keep all those delicious juices inside.
How to Make Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2-4 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
- Optional: Pickled red onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious taco recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 4 to 8 hours of cooking time in the slow cooker. You’ll have tender, flavorful beef to enjoy in your tacos by the end of the day—perfect for a satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
First, grab a blender or a food processor. Add the honey, chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This tasty marinade is going to add loads of flavor to your beef!
2. Prepare the Beef:
Place the beef chuck roast in a slow cooker. Pour the delicious marinade you just made all over the beef. Next, carefully pour the beef broth around the sides of the roast. This will keep it moist while it cooks.
3. Slow Cook the Beef:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you have time, cook on low for 8 hours. If you’re in a bit of a hurry, you can cook it on high for 4 to 5 hours instead. You know it’s done when the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is nice and tender, take it out of the slow cooker and set it on a plate. Use two forks to shred it into pieces. Now return the shredded beef back to the slow cooker and give it a good mix with the cooking juices. This will keep the beef flavorful and moist!
5. Prepare the Tortillas:
To serve your tacos, heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Flip them occasionally until they’re warm and have some nice charred spots. This step makes your tortillas tasty!
6. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to fill those tortillas! Place a generous amount of the shredded beef on each tortilla. Top them off with the diced red onion, fresh cilantro, and if you like, some pickled red onions for extra zing.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the tacos for a bright burst of flavor. Serve your tacos warm with extra lime wedges on the side. Dig in and enjoy these mouthwatering honey chipotle shredded beef tacos!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for shredding because of its marbling, you can also use brisket or beef shoulder. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if the cut is leaner, as it may cook faster than chuck roast.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder taco, start with just 2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers, then taste the marinade before adding more. You can also mix in some honey or even a bit of sour cream when serving to help balance the heat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Beef?
Store any leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How to Make These Tacos Dairy-Free?
This recipe is already dairy-free! However, if you want to add extra creaminess without dairy, consider using avocado slices or a dairy-free sour cream alternative on your tacos. These add great flavor while keeping the dish lactose-free.
