How to Make Shredded Beef Tacos ✅

Tacos are among the most popular Mexican foods. Mexican cuisine is loved worldwide for its bold, flavorful, and often spicy taste. Chefs around the globe have added their own twist to tacos, creating so much variety that anyone, no matter their taste, can find a taco they love. Of course, the flavor of an authentic taco enjoyed on the streets of Mexico is unmatched!

Tacos are made using a special type of bread called tortilla, which is traditionally made from corn flour. This U-shaped bread is filled with a variety of ingredients such as beef, chicken, fish, shrimp, or even vegetables, and served with a signature sauce, often spicy salsa. To make tacos, you need tortillas, taco seasoning, and your choice of meat or vegetables. This dish is perfect for dinner.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare shredded beef tacos, one of Mexico’s iconic dishes.

Instructions for Shredded Beef Tacos

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (140°C). Heat a Dutch oven on high heat until very hot.

2. Season one side of the beef generously with salt and pepper. Pour oil into the hot pot and place the beef, seasoned side down, in the oil. Let it sear for 2 minutes until browned. Season the other side with salt and pepper and turn the meat over.

3. Add garlic, spices, and tomato paste to the pot. Pour in enough water to reach three-quarters of the way up the meat. Stir, cover, and bake in the oven for 2 hours. Check the meat after 2 hours—if it shreds easily, it’s ready; if not, bake for an additional 30–40 minutes.

4. Remove the beef from the oven and shred it with two forks. Strain the cooking liquid, discarding excess fat. Return the strained liquid to the pot, bring to a boil, and add maple syrup. Cook until the liquid reduces by half. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Pour the sauce over the shredded beef.

5. Assemble the tacos by filling tortillas with the shredded beef, then top with avocado slices, lime, and cilantro.