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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

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These Tacos are LIFE CHANGING

Recipe by Cowboy Kent Rollins

A deep‑flavored, slow‑braised beef taco inspired by Cowboy Kent Rollins. Chuck roast and short ribs are seasoned, seared, then simmered with ancho, guajillo and New Mexico chilies, tomatoes, onion and aromatic spices. The meat is shredded, crisped in a cast‑iron skillet, and served in corn tortillas with Oaxaca and mozzarella cheese.

MediumMexicanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
3h 55m
Prep
40m
Cook
33m
Cleanup
5h 8m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$55.12
Total cost
$9.19
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season the meat and let rest
  • Sear the beef for deep color
  • Low simmer before oven braise
  • Long oven braise until meat falls apart
  • Shred and coat meat in sauce

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and the hot Dutch oven with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • When opening the oven, turn the knob off first to prevent steam burns.
  • Be careful when removing chilies; wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Red Beef Tacos in Jalisco cuisine?

A

Red Beef Tacos, often called "tacos de carne" in Jalisco, trace back to ranching communities where beef, especially chuck and short ribs, was slow‑cooked over wood fire. The deep red sauce comes from dried chilies like ancho and guajillo, giving the tacos a smoky, earthy flavor that became a staple of regional Mexican street food.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of Red Beef Tacos exist in Mexican cuisine?

A

In Jalisco the tacos are typically made with beef braised in chilies and served with Oaxaca cheese. In northern Mexico, goat or lamb may replace beef, and the sauce can be thinner. In Oaxaca, the same braised meat is often served on a thick corn tortilla called "tlayuda" rather than a small taco.

cultural
Q

How is Red Beef Taco traditionally served in Jalisco, Mexico?

A

Traditionally the shredded beef is placed on a warm corn tortilla, topped with fresh Oaxaca cheese, a squeeze of lime, and sometimes chopped cilantro. The taco is folded and eaten immediately while the cheese is still melting and the sauce is still juicy.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Red Beef Taco associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Red Beef Tacos are popular for weekend family gatherings, fiestas, and especially for "Taco Tuesday" celebrations across Mexico and the United States. They are also served at rodeos and ranch cook‑outs where the smoky flavor matches the outdoor atmosphere.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for Red Beef Taco versus common substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include chuck roast, beef short ribs, dried ancho, guajillo and New Mexico chilies, Oaxaca cheese, and corn tortillas. Substitutes can be beef stew meat for the roast, smoked paprika for mesquite seasoning, and mozzarella for the cheese blend, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with Red Beef Taco?

A

Red Beef Tacos pair beautifully with Mexican street corn (elote), a simple cilantro‑lime rice, black bean salad, or a fresh pico de gallo. A cold cerveza or agua fresca balances the rich, smoky beef.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Red Beef Taco at home?

A

Common mistakes include overcrowding the pot when searing (which steams instead of browning), not simmering low enough before the oven (which can toughen the meat), and over‑cooking the tortillas so they become brittle. Follow the searing and low‑simmer steps carefully for optimal tenderness.

technical
Q

Why does this Red Beef Taco recipe use a long oven braise instead of a pressure cooker?

A

The slow oven braise allows the connective tissue in chuck and short ribs to break down gradually, creating a silky, glossy sauce that coats each shred. A pressure cooker can achieve tenderness faster but may result in a thinner sauce and less caramelized flavor from the initial sear.

technical
Q

Can I make Red Beef Taco ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can braise the beef a day ahead, shred it, and keep it in its sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed, then assemble the tacos fresh.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Red Beef Taco meat is done?

A

The meat should be fork‑tender, falling apart easily, and coated in a thick, glossy, deep‑red sauce. The sauce should cling to the shreds without being watery, and the color should be a rich mahogany from the chilies.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cowboy Kent Rollins specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cowboy Kent Rollins specializes in authentic Western and Texas‑style cooking, featuring open‑range recipes, outdoor fire‑pit techniques, and traditional Mexican‑inspired dishes like the Red Beef Taco.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cowboy Kent Rollins' approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Cowboy Kent Rollins blends cowboy ranch culture with Mexican flavors, often cooking over wood or charcoal and using hearty cuts of meat. Unlike many Mexican channels that focus on quick stovetop dishes, Rollins emphasizes slow braising, outdoor fire management, and a rustic, hands‑on philosophy.

channel

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