These Chipotle Beer Braised Beef Tacos are a tasty treat! The beef gets tender and full of flavor from the beer and chipotle peppers, making every bite super delicious!
I love how easy these tacos are to make. Just let the beef simmer away, and soon you have a wonderful meal. Perfect for taco Tuesdays or any day craving something special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for braising as it becomes tender during long cooking. If you want a leaner option, try using brisket or even beef round. Just keep in mind that it might not be as juicy.
Beer: Stouts or dark lagers add great depth of flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, consider using beef broth or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water for a tangy twist.
Chipotle Peppers: These give the dish its smoky kick. For a milder flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead, although you’ll miss out on some heat. If you can’t find chipotles in adobo, any dried or crushed chili will work.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes brighten the dish. Canned tomatoes are also great, especially if they’re diced. Add a bit of juice from the can if you want more moisture.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas offer a traditional taste and are gluten-free. If you prefer something softer, flour tortillas are a fantastic alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Beef is Tender and Flavorful?
Getting the beef perfectly tender requires a few careful steps. First, the searing process is vital; it locks in flavors and provides a lovely crust. Take your time and don’t rush this step.
- Make sure the pot is hot before adding the beef for good browning.
- Once added, don’t move the beef around; let it sear on one side before turning it.
- Gradually build flavors by adding onions and garlic, allowing them to soften.
- Make sure to scrape up any browned bits when adding the beer. This adds rich flavor to your sauce.
Patience is key! Letting the beef simmer for 3-4 hours will make it fork-tender and infused with all the delicious spices.
How to Make Chipotle Beer Braised Beef Tacos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef Filling:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 can (12 oz) beer (preferably a stout or dark lager)
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For The Tacos:
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 3-4 hours for cooking the beef. Get ready for some mouthwatering tacos! You’ll spend a bit of time searing and simmering the beef until it’s tender, then a few minutes assembling the tacos.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear The Beef:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the beef in the pot and sear it until it’s browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté The Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté it until it’s softened, which takes about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell the garlic. It makes everything smell amazing!
3. Add The Spices:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Let the spices cook with the onion and garlic for about 1-2 minutes. You want them to blend well and bring out their flavors.
4. Pour In The Beer:
Pour the can of beer into the pot, making sure to scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release any tasty bits that stuck while browning the beef. Return the beef roast back into the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the delicious beer and spice mixture.
5. Simmer The Beef:
Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Be patient; it will be worth it!
6. Shred The Beef:
After the beef has cooked, take it out of the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Once shredded, return the beef to the pot to soak up all the tasty sauce. Give it a good stir!
7. Warm The Tortillas:
While the beef is soaking up the flavors, warm up the tortillas! You can do this in a dry skillet or on a griddle. Heat them until they are soft and pliable, which takes just a few seconds on each side.
8. Assemble The Tacos:
It’s finally time to put your tacos together! Take a warm tortilla and place a generous amount of the chipotle beer-braised beef on it. Top it off with diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Yum!
9. Serve with Lime:
Serve your delicious tacos with lime wedges on the side for a splash of freshness. Squeeze lime juice over your tacos just before you take a bite. Enjoy every flavorful bite of these Chipotle Beer Braised Beef Tacos!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is ideal for braising due to its tenderness once cooked, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just adjust the cooking time, as some cuts may require more or less time to become tender.
What Can I Substitute for Beer?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with beef broth or a combination of beef broth and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a bit of acidity. Keep in mind that the flavor will slightly change, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftover Beef?
Store any leftover braised beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make the Beef Ahead of Time?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors improve if you make it a day in advance. Just prepare the beef and store it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove before serving with your warmed tortillas.
