Chipotle Lime Shredded Beef Tacos
Chuck roast with chipotle powder from the start and fresh lime at the end, so the acid stays bright.
Chipotle Lime Shredded Beef Tacos
Course: Main CourseDifficulty: Easy8
servings20
minutes9
hoursChuck roast with chipotle powder from the start and fresh lime at the end, so the acid stays bright.
Ingredients
1 beef chuck roast, 3 lb
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp chipotle powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp kosher salt
1 yellow onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
2 limes, juiced and zested
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
8 to 12 corn tortillas
Directions
- Mix the chili powder, chipotle, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano and salt.
- Pat the roast dry and rub the mix over all sides.
- Spread the onion and garlic on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Set the roast on top and pour the broth around the edge.
- Cover and cook on LOW 8 to 10 hours, until the thickest part reads 195 to 205°F.
- Lift the roast onto a board and shred it along the grain.
- Return the meat to the pot, add the juice of one lime and half the zest, and stir.
- Rest the strands in the juice for 20 minutes.
- Taste and add salt or more lime if the juice is flat.
- Fill warm tortillas, then top with cilantro and the rest of the zest.
Notes
- Chipotle powder varies by brand, so start with a half teaspoon if you are unsure. Squeeze lime over each taco again at the table.
Why lime goes in at the end
Acid fades over a long cook. Adding the juice and zest at the end keeps the lime tasting fresh, while chipotle in the rub gives a smoky background heat.
The result is balanced, not just hot.
Swaps and serving
Chipotle in adobo can replace the powder, but use less since it is stronger. Do not add all the lime at the start. Serve with cilantro, onion and avocado.
Crema or sour cream cools the heat.
Storing and the heat mistake
Keep the beef in its juice for 4 days. It freezes well.
The mistake is going heavy on chipotle powder. Heat builds in the pot over hours, and brands vary a lot.
Balancing heat and acid
Chipotle brings smoke and heat, and lime brings brightness. If a bite tastes dull, add lime. If it is too hot, add a spoon of crema or serve with avocado. Stir the zest in only at the end so it keeps its fragrance instead of cooking off.
Chipotle Lime Shredded Beef Tacos at a glance
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 9 hours
- Servings: 8 servings
- Ingredients: 14, led by beef chuck roast, chili powder, chipotle powder, ground cumin
Tips for Chipotle Lime Shredded Beef Tacos
Chipotle powder varies by brand, so start with a half teaspoon if you are unsure. Squeeze lime over each taco again at the table.
Chipotle Lime Shredded Beef Tacos FAQ
How long does Chipotle Lime Shredded Beef Tacos take?
Chipotle Lime Shredded Beef Tacos takes 9 hours of cooking after 20 minutes of prep.
How many people does Chipotle Lime Shredded Beef Tacos serve?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What do I need to make Chipotle Lime Shredded Beef Tacos?
14 ingredients, led by beef chuck roast, chili powder, chipotle powder, ground cumin. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
Part of: 6 Crockpot Shredded Beef Tacos Recipes That Pull Into Strands
