Why everyone should try these Braised Beef Tacos.
Why everyone should try these Braised Beef Tacos. is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook Well w/ Ethan Chlebowski on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 6 hrs 45 min | Total: 7 hrs 20 min
Cost: $44.59 total, $7.43 per serving
Ingredients
- 3.5 lb Chuck Roast (well‑marbled, trimmed of excess fat)
- 1 tbsp Kosher Salt (dry‑brine the roast 30‑40 minutes before searing)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (for searing the roast)
- 1.5 L Beef Broth (low‑sodium, can use bouillon if needed)
- 30 g Tomato Paste (about 2 tbsp, adds depth)
- 25 g Ground Guajillo Chili Powder (fruity, peppery Mexican chili powder)
- 25 g Ground Cumin (freshly ground for warm earthy flavor)
- 10 g Cayenne Pepper (adjust to taste; adds heat)
- 8 pcs Garlic Cloves (whole, added to braising liquid for roasted flavor)
- 10 pcs White Corn Tortillas (soft, slightly sweet, for tacos)
- 0.5 cup Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)
- 0.5 cup White Onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 pcs Lime (cut into wedges for serving)
- 2 tbsp Green Hot Sauce (adds acidity and extra heat)
Instructions
Dry‑brine the Roast
Season the chuck roast generously with kosher salt (and pepper) and let it rest on a rack for 30‑40 minutes, then pat the surface dry with paper towels.
Time: PT15M
Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 275°F
Sear the Chuck Roast
Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until deep brown, about 3‑4 minutes per side.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: high heat
Prepare Braising Liquid
In a bowl combine beef broth, tomato paste, ground guajillo chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and whole garlic cloves. Stir until the tomato paste dissolves.
Time: PT5M
Transfer to Dutch Oven
Place the seared roast into the Dutch oven. Pour the braising liquid over the meat, ensuring it covers about two‑thirds of the roast.
Time: PT5M
Low‑and‑Slow Braise
Cover the pot with its lid and bake in the preheated oven for 5‑6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches ~200°F and the meat falls apart with a fork.
Time: PT6H
Temperature: 275°F
Shred the Beef
Remove the pot from the oven, let the meat rest 15 minutes, then pull apart with two forks into bite‑size shreds.
Time: PT15M
Reheat (Optional)
If you are serving later, return shredded beef to the pot and keep warm on the stovetop for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT45M
Warm Tortillas
Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium‑high heat, add 2 tbsp of the rendered beef fat, and quickly toast each tortilla until lightly crisp, about 30 seconds per side.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Assemble Tacos
Place a generous spoonful of shredded beef onto each tortilla, top with chopped cilantro, sliced white onion, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of green hot sauce.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains beef, Can be made gluten‑free with corn tortillas, Dairy‑free, Nut‑free
Allergens: gluten (if using flour tortillas)
Last updated: March 15, 2026








