These Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! The beef is slow-cooked until it’s super tender and mixed with a sweet and spicy honey chipotle sauce.
I love how easy they are to make. Just pile the beef onto warm tortillas and add your favorite toppings. Who can resist a taco night, right? 🌮
These tacos are perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. Don’t forget the extra napkins—you’ll need them for all the deliciousness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for shredding after slow cooking because it becomes very tender. If you want a leaner option, use beef brisket or sirloin, but note they may not shred as easily.
Honey: This provides sweetness to balance the heat from chipotle. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try agave syrup or maple syrup for a similar sweetness without the calories.
Chipotle Peppers: They add a smokey heat. Adjust the number for your spice preference. If unavailable, try using crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for smokiness without the heat.
Beef Broth: It boosts flavor, and if you’re looking for a lighter version, vegetable broth can work well. Homemade broth adds extra depth!
Corn Tortillas: I love using corn tortillas for their authentic flavor. If gluten-free options are needed, check for store-bought gluten-free tortillas or use lettuce wraps instead!
What’s the Key to Getting Tender and Shreddable Beef?
The secret behind tender, shreddable beef lies in the slow cooking time and temperature. Letting the beef cook low and slow allows the collagen to break down, which makes it fork-tender.
- Start by searing the beef – this helps lock in flavors and creates a delicious crust.
- Cook the beef in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The low setting works best for maximum tenderness.
- Once done, let the beef rest for a few minutes before shredding to keep it juicy.
Use two forks to shred; it’s easy and fun! Mix the shredded beef back into the sauce for extra flavor.
Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for desired heat)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving:
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced onion
- Lime wedges
- Pickled red onions (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires slow cooking for 4-5 hours on high or 8 hours on low. So, you can start it in the morning and enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sauce:
Start by blending! In a blender or food processor, combine the honey, chipotle peppers, quartered onion, minced garlic, beef broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed. This will be the tasty sauce for your beef.
2. Sear the Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef chuck roast. Sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes for each side. This step adds great flavor!
3. Slow Cook the Beef:
Now it’s time for the slow cooker! Carefully transfer the seared beef into your slow cooker and pour that yummy chipotle honey mixture over the top. Make sure the beef is well coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is super tender and easy to shred.
4. Shred the Beef:
After cooking, take the beef out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the beef into pieces. Once shredded, return the beef to the slow cooker and mix it well with the sauce so each bite is full of flavor.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
Ready to serve? Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for a minute on each side until they’re soft and pliable. This step makes a big difference in taste and texture!
6. Assemble the Tacos:
Now for the fun part! Fill each warm tortilla with a generous amount of the shredded beef. Top it with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and if you like, some pickled red onions for an extra punch of flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Don’t forget the lime wedges! Serve your delicious tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos—delicious and sure to impress!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Brisket can take longer due to its marbled fat, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Round roast is leaner, so it may become dry if overcooked—monitor it closely!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want to reduce the heat, use only one chipotle pepper instead of two or three. Alternatively, you can add a teaspoon of brown sugar or more honey to balance the spice. If you love heat, feel free to add extra chipotle or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick!
What Should I Do with Leftover Beef?
Leftover shredded beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of beef broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! After searing the beef, combine it with the sauce in the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for about 60-70 minutes, followed by a natural release. This method reduces the cooking time significantly while still delivering tender, flavorful beef for your tacos!
