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Mexican Braised Beef Tacos with Chilis


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  • Author: Diana Bauman
  • Total Time: 255 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

Succulent, rich, and flavorful braised beef tacos. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 lbs (1361 g) arm roast
  • large granule (kosher) salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 dried chilis
  • 1 large white onion, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1/2 tsp large granule salt
  • 1 cups (237 ml) beer
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cups (237 ml) beef broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).
  2. Pat dry and generously season the arm roast with large granule salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. In a cast iron dutch oven, gently heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toast the chilis until fragrant (1-2 minutes). Remove the chilis and set aside.
  4. Brown the beef on both sides (5-8 minutes per side), ensuring not to disturb it while cooking.
  5. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set aside.
  6. Examine the drippings; remove any burnt pieces with a slotted spoon. If there is too much fat, remove the excess, leaving about 2 tablespoons. If not enough drippings remain, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  7. Add the onion and garlic to the pot. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of large granule salt and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Add the beer, mixing and scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a slow boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until reduced by half (5-8 minutes).
  9. Mix in the tomato paste and beef broth; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Add the meat and reserved chilis to the braising liquid. Place a piece of parchment paper on top of the pot, pressing it down to about 1 inch above the meat. Cover and place in the 300°F (149°C) oven for 2-4 hours, depending on the toughness of the meat.
  11. After 2 hours, check the meat. Check every half hour until fork tender.
  12. Once fork tender, remove the meat from the pot and shred it with forks, placing it in a large bowl.
  13. Remove the chilis from the braising liquid and discard.
  14. Mix the remaining braising liquid into the shredded beef. If using a marrow bone, scoop out and add the marrow to the beef, or enjoy it separately.
  15. Serve as taco meat with tortillas, sliced chili, avocado, cilantro and lime.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, consider using ancho or chipotle chilis in addition to, or in place of, the dried chilis.
  • To speed up the braising process, use a pressure cooker. Adjust cooking time according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Leftover braised beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 240 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 700
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 20
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 40
  • Cholesterol: 100