Mastering the Art of Shredded Beef Tacos: The Ultimate Guide

Tacos are a beloved dish all around the world, and for good reason. They are versatile, flavorful, and easy to make. One of the most popular variations of tacos is shredded beef tacos. The tender, juicy beef combined with the perfect blend of spices and toppings makes for a mouth-watering meal. In this article, we will explore the delicious world of shredded beef tacos and share some tips and tricks for making the perfect batch at home.

What is Shredded Beef?

Shredded beef is a type of meat that has been cooked until it is tender and can be easily pulled apart into thin strips. It is typically made from tougher cuts of beef, such as chuck or brisket, which are slow-cooked until they are fall-apart tender. The meat is then shredded into thin strips, making it perfect for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.

The Secret Ingredient: Atora Shredded Beef Suet

Atora Shredded Beef Suetby Sargent Seal (https://unsplash.com/@charles) One of the key ingredients in making the perfect shredded beef is Atora Shredded Beef Suet. This product is made from 100% beef fat and is used to add flavor and moisture to the meat. It comes in a convenient 240g pack, making it easy to use for multiple batches of shredded beef. The suet helps to keep the meat tender and juicy, making it a must-have for any shredded beef recipe.

How to Make Shredded Beef Tacos

Now that we know what shredded beef is and the secret ingredient that makes it so delicious, let’s dive into the steps for making shredded beef tacos.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 pack of Atora Shredded Beef Suet
  • 12-16 small tortillas
  • Toppings of your choice (shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, etc.)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
  2. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the beef broth, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture into the pot and stir to combine.
  5. Add the beef back into the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the beef simmer for 2-3 hours, or until it is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
  6. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it into thin strips using two forks.
  7. In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the shredded beef and cook for a few minutes until it starts to crisp up.
  8. Add the Atora Shredded Beef Suet to the pan and mix it in with the beef. This will help to keep the meat moist and add extra flavor.
  9. Warm up the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet.
  10. Assemble your tacos by adding the shredded beef to the tortillas and topping with your desired toppings.

Tips for Perfect Shredded Beef Tacos

  • Use a slow cooker: If you have a slow cooker, you can cook the beef in it for 6-8 hours on low heat. This will result in even more tender and flavorful meat.
  • Use a mix of spices: While the recipe above calls for specific spices, feel free to experiment and add your own blend of spices to the mix. This will help to create a unique flavor profile for your shredded beef.
  • Let the beef rest: Once the beef is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before shredding it. This will help to keep the juices in the meat and make it easier to shred.
  • Use a mix of beef cuts: For even more flavor, try using a mix of beef cuts, such as chuck and brisket. This will add different textures and flavors to the shredded beef.
  • Double the recipe: Shredded beef freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing the leftovers for a quick and easy meal in the future.

Other Delicious Ways to Use Shredded Beef

While shredded beef tacos are a classic and delicious way to use shredded beef, there are many other ways to incorporate this tasty meat into your meals. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Shredded Beef Nachos

Shredded Beef Nachosby Sander Dalhuisen (https://unsplash.com/@sanderdalhuisen) Nachos are a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer, and adding shredded beef takes them to the next level. Simply layer tortilla chips, shredded beef, and your favorite toppings (cheese, salsa, jalapenos, etc.) on a baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Shredded Beef Burritos

For a heartier meal, try making shredded beef burritos. Fill a tortilla with shredded beef, rice, beans, and your favorite toppings, and roll it up into a burrito. You can also add some shredded cheese and heat it up in the oven for a few minutes for a melty, gooey burrito.

Shredded Beef Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that can be made with shredded beef. Simply fill a tortilla with shredded beef and cheese, fold it in half, and cook it on a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.

That’s a Wrap

Shredded beef tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. By using Atora Shredded Beef Suet and following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can make the perfect batch of shredded beef tacos at home. So gather your ingredients and get ready to explore the delicious world of shredded beef tacos!
author avatar
Chad Wisneski VP Sales and Marketing
VP of Sales and Marketing for Chef's Kitchen, 86 Foodservice, Meadowbrook Egg & Dairy and Dearborn Marketplace.

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