These Tacos are LIFE CHANGING
These Tacos are LIFE CHANGING is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 6. 280 calories per serving. Recipe by Cowboy Kent Rollins on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 50 min | Cook: 2 hrs 45 min | Total: 5 hrs 5 min
Cost: $55.12 total, $9.19 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chuck Roast (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 1.5 lb Beef Short Ribs (bone‑in, cut into 1‑inch pieces)
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tbsp Mesquite Seasoning (contains ancho chili, smoky flavor)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 Ancho Chilies (dried) (stem removed, seeds discarded)
- 2 Guajillo Chilies (dried) (stem removed, seeds discarded)
- 2 New Mexico Dried Chilies (Dara Ball) (stem removed, seeds discarded)
- 4 Roma Tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 large White Onion (quartered)
- 8 Garlic Cloves (peeled, minced)
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil (high smoke point for searing)
- 3 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1 pinch Ground Clove
- 1/2 tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 tsp Whole Oregano (leaves left whole)
- 12 Corn Tortillas (small, 6‑inch)
- 1 cup Oaxaca Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
Trim and Cube the Beef
Remove excess fat and connective tissue from the chuck roast and short ribs. Cut both meats into roughly 1‑inch cubes so they will cook evenly and shred easily.
Time: PT15M
Season the Meat
In a large bowl combine the meat cubes with kosher salt, mesquite seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Rest at Room Temperature
Let the seasoned meat sit uncovered in a warm spot (or sunny windowsill) for 30–40 minutes so the flavors penetrate.
Time: PT35M
Prepare the Chili‑Vegetable Blend
Remove stems and seeds from the ancho, guajillo, and New Mexico chilies. Roughly chop them. Quarter the onion, dice the tomatoes, and mince the garlic cloves.
Time: PT15M
Sear the Beef
Heat avocado oil in the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add the meat cubes, spreading them out so they brown, not steam. Sear until a deep brown crust forms on all sides, about 3‑4 minutes per batch.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Build the Braising Liquid
Return all seared meat to the Dutch oven. Add the chopped chilies, onion, tomatoes, garlic, 3 cups beef broth, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, clove, coriander, and whole oregano. Stir to combine.
Time: PT10M
Bring to a Simmer
Place the Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce to a low simmer.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium
Oven Braise
Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer to a pre‑heated oven at 350°F. Braise for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork‑tender and falling apart.
Time: PT2H30M
Temperature: 350°F
Shred the Beef
Remove the pot from the oven. Let the meat rest 10 minutes, then use two forks to pull the cubes apart until they are shredded and coated in the rich sauce.
Time: PT10M
Crisp the Tortillas
Heat the cast‑iron skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush each corn tortilla with a little avocado oil and place in the skillet. Cook 30‑45 seconds per side until just puffed and lightly charred. Remove and keep warm.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Assemble the Tacos
Place a generous spoonful of shredded beef onto each tortilla. Top with a mixture of shredded Oaxaca cheese and mozzarella. Fold the tortilla over, press lightly, and let the cheese melt for another 30 seconds in the skillet if desired.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 280
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 25 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free (corn tortillas), High-Protein, Nut-Free
Allergens: Dairy
Last updated: April 19, 2026






