Beer and chipotle braised shredded chuck stuffed in cheesy Oaxaca filled double corn tortillas topped with red onions and cilantro.

WHAT’S GOING ON HERE:

Chuck Roast: Chuck roast benefits from a longer cook time. It also has a great meat to fat ratio so it has a ton of flavor. Heavily salt the beef right before cooking to make sure you get the most out of the flavor.

Beer: For this recipe i used a Cost Rican beer. It was a light fruity beer that didn’t weigh the beef down. Use whatever beer you have on hand stick to the lighter one since the darker ones tend to be more robust. The beer thins out the blended vegetables.

The Veggie Blend: Onions, celery, garlic and jalapeno are all blended together to maximize flavor. liquefying the vegetables reduces the need for water since you can shred the beef right into the blend.

Chipotle: Chipotle adds a great smoky flavor to any dish whether it’s whole peppers or minced. Use the pepper and the tomato puree when adding it into the dish for the most flavor.

Spices: Cumin, black pepper, garlic, thyme and oregano are my go to spices for braising beef for tacos.

Tortillas: Corn or flour can be used in this dish. Fry the tortillas so that they are still pliable when adding the meat.

Oaxaca cheese: Oaxaca is a nice and creamy stringy cheese it melts nicely and is super cheesy. If you don’t have Oaxaca on hand substitute for Monterrey jack or even mozzarella.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST SHREDDED BEEF TACOS

the blend: blending the vegetables does a few things. It saves time chopping but also adds so much more flavor. once the vegetables start to cook they’ll release a bunch a water that will help baste the meat. over the cook time some of the water and beer will evaporate and the pectin in the vegetable will thicken the broth up like a thin gravy. once the meat is fork tender you can shred the meat straight in the pan. plus the little fibers of pulp from the vegetables melt away by the time the beef comes out of the oven.

braise: for this recipe you can finish your braise in the oven. cooking in the oven allows for the beef to be cooked in all directions with a more even cook.

beer: use whatever beer you have on hand. the braise helps thin the vegetable blend out while leaving in a ton of flavor. alternatives to beer would beer ginger beer or vegetable stock.

the tortillas: use whatever tortillas you like. do not cook the tortillas till stiff or else they wont wrap around the filling. use a thin layer of cheese to keep it from spilling from the sides.

SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO:

1. BARBACOA BEEF
2. BARBACOA AND EGG SOPES
3. BEAN AND CHEESE AREPAS

ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH:

1. REFRIED PINTO BEANS
2. TAQUERIA STYLE RED SAUCE
3. TACO TRUCK GREEN SAUCE