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October 11, 2021 2 Comments

Easy Mexican Shredded Beef

plate of nacho's with jalopeno, chips, cheese, shredded beef, tomatoes, ranch

 A beef roast and a few other simple ingredients are all you need for a delicious dinner and awesome leftovers to make your favorite Mexican dishes. This Easy Mexican Shredded Beef is a favorite for nachos, burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and chimichangas at our house. We can’t get enough. If you prefer pork, try this Easy Tex-Mex Shredded Pork. 

My friend, Honoree, introduced me to this simple way to make awesome flavorful shredded beef. She is a great cook and a total foodie, so anything she ever made me was delicious. This shredded beef was no exception. It’s been a go-to around here for over 10 years now, and I can’t believe I haven’t posted it yet. 

pot with shredded beef and there are tongs taking out a portion of itI’m so excited for you to try this yummy shredded beef. It is so flavorful! The best way to cook it is in the oven in a roasting pan that has a lid. If you don’t have one, you can also make it in a slow cooker. Cook it on low for 6 hours. Don’t forget to come back and tell me how you liked the recipe. 

More Mexican Favorites

  • Instant Pot Black Beans
  • Copycat Chipotle Chicken
  • Horchata Mexican Drink
  • Slow Cooker Pineapple Salsa Chicken
  • Sheet Pan Fajitas
  • Salsa Chicken Enchiladas

Step-by-step pictures for how to make Easy Mexican Shredded Beef

five pictures in a grouping to show how to make easy mexican shredded beefFrequently asked questions for making Easy Mexican Shredded Beef

Can I use bottled crushed garlic instead of fresh?

The fresh garlic really adds to the amazing flavor of the finished meat. I have never used bottled. It tends to be less potent, so if it is all you have, I would suggest doubling the amount. 

Can I use imitation lime juice? 

Fresh is best, but if it is all you have, imitation will be fine. If you have the True Lime Packets, you will need 5 of them, and mix it with 2 tbsp of water before sprinkling it on. 

Can I use lemon juice in place of lime juice?

Yes, you can. Fresh lemon juice will work great as well, but the more authentic flavor is lime. 

Do I need to add any water to the roast when I cook it?

The recipe calls for 2 tbsp of water. With the additional 2 tbsp of lime juice, it is enough liquid. Just make sure to cover the pot tightly with a lid so all of the liquid is trapped inside and the roast won’t dry out. 

plate of nachos, the pate is blue with white dots. the nachos have chees, black beans, olives, tomatoes, shredded beef and jalapenosCan I use a frozen Beef Roast?

It is best to defrost the roast as much as possible before cooking. The cooking time will increase if using a frozen roast.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this shredded beef freezes really well. Just be sure to put it in an airtight Ziploc bag. 

pinterest image for shredded mexican beef

Serve with...

Instant Pot spanish rice in a white bowl with a light colored hand towel in the background.Instant Pot Spanish RiceClassic GuacamoleClassic Guacamole Recipe {and a great tip for preparing it}Pico-de-gallo-recipe-Pico de Gallo Recipe

Easy Mexican Shredded Beef
 
Print
Prep time
10 mins
Cook time
3 hours
Total time
3 hours 10 mins
 
Flavorful, tender shredded beef that is perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, chimichangas, or any other Mexican-inspired dish you choose. So easy and so delicious!
Author: Recipe from my friend Honoree
Recipe type: Beef
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 16-20
Ingredients
  • 4-5 lbs of Beef Roast (chuck or bottom round)
  • 8-9 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt per pound of meat (you can cut this to ¾ tsp salt per pound if desired)
  • Juice of one or two limes (approx. 2 tbsp of fresh lime juice)
  • 2 tbsp water
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Place the roast in a large roasting pan with a tight-fitting lid.
  3. Add 2 tbsp of water to the bottom of the pan.
  4. Next, sprinkle the roast with ground cumin, oregano, and salt.
  5. Add the crushed garlic to the top of the roast, and then squeeze the lime juice over everything.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 3 hours or until meat shreds easily with a fork.
  7. Shred the meat and let it sit in its juices.
  8. Serve in a burrito bowl, nachos, tacos, or anything you prefer.
  9. Enjoy!
3.5.3251

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pinterest collage of two pictures of mexican shredded beef made into nacho's

Beef, Cooking Method, Dinners, Family Favorite Recipes, Gluten Free, Main Categories, Meats, Mexican, More, Recipes, Slow Cooker, Slow Cooker / Instant Pot
crockpot shredded beef, Easy Mexican Shredded Beef, Mexican shredded beef, shredded beef for chimichangas, shredded beef for enchiladas, shredded beef for tacos, slow cooker shredded beef
2 Comments

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2 Comments

  1. Callie

    October 13, 2021 at 12:18 pm

    Yum
    #octobergiveawsy

    reply to this comment
    • Maria

      October 26, 2021 at 8:39 am

      Thanks Callie!

      reply to this comment

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Welcome friends!

Hi, I'm Maria. A mom of five and a total foodie. My superpower is taking ordinary recipes and making them DELICIOUS. Your family will LOVE these meals! Come cook with me, I promise it will be amazing! Get started here or search my archives below.


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Hi, I'm a professional recipe developer, with a degree in teaching and a minor in nutrition. I love helping busy families, like mine, "eat good" despite their crazy schedules...join the fun! Start here

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