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SHREDDED BEEF TACOS 
1 lb. rump steak
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 corn or flour tortillas
2 tablespoons dry oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh, minced
1 teaspoon cumin seed, ground
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
5 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1/2 tsp. dried ancho peppers or 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
cilantro (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste
shredded lettuce
salsa
sour cream

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, sauté steak over high heat on both sides in 2 tablespoons olive oil with 2 cloves garlic and one of the onions, until meat has browned. Add water or beef broth to cover.

Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until meat is tender. Remove meat to a cutting board and allow to cool. Shred the meat using two large forks pulling in opposing directions. Transfer shredded steak to a bowl and season with ground cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper (s).

Cook's Note: Use fresh herbs and spices if you can; once you've tasted the difference between ground cumin seed and the pre-ground stuff that's been sitting on a shelf, there will be no turning back! Cumin may be ground in a coffee grinder (reserved only for spices, please) or using a mortar and pestle or mocajete.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 cloves garlic. Saute briefly over high heat (1-2 minutes). Reduce heat, add steak and heat through.

On a clean skillet, heat tortillas, one at a time over medium-high heat until warm, 35-45 seconds. Turn over to heat second side another 20 seconds. Another easy way to warm tacos if you're in a rush is to stack them with paper towels or wax paper between and place in the microwave for 30 seconds; check them and turn the stack over for another 30 seconds if needed.

Fill tortilla with shredded lettuce, a heavy layer of shredded beef, salsa, and thinly sliced onions (red onions are a colorful addition). Add salt and pepper, to taste (we use Hot Salt). Garnish with a cilantro sprig, if desired, or serve with lemon or lime wedges.

Variations: Add a layer of refried beans with under the shredded steak or use bean salsa instead. Top with a dollop of sour cream and shredded Cheddar cheese for a Taco Supreme!

Cook's Note: Have a Taco party, setting out bowls of various fillings and toppings - Kids (and adults!) love to assemble their own.

Submitted by: CM

Since microwave ovens vary in power, you may need to adjust your cooking time.

recipe reviews
Shredded Beef Tacos
   #70743
 Sam (Australia) says:
Great recipe. I am more generous with fresh spices and add a bit of freshly ground coriander seeds for that extra flavour to the shredded beef. It is a winner!
   #69193
 Toby's Dad (Arizona) says:
Excellent recipe. I used a bit more cumin and added a little water to the combined mixture (not much, about a quarter cup). Just enough that can be absorbed. The beef seemed a little dry without it. This recipe is a keeper.
   #57931
 Andrea Hooper (Massachusetts) says:
This was delicious! My husband loved them, and he is a huge food critic. We thought it could be a little more bold. I didn't have fresh spices, so I used dried. Next time I plan on using fresh spices to enhance the flavor even more. Pair this with some delicious homemade taco shells and you have a DELICIOUS meal!
 #37359
 Pamela99 (Florida) says:
These sound like something my husband would adore. We will be trying your recipe. Thanks.
 #34623
 Winnie (Rhode Island) says:
Awesome tacos! I'm never going back to the bell because these are so much better. we have put this on our menu for every friday night. Thanks for this recipe!
 #10833
 Amy Clare says:
This is the best taco beef I have EVER had. I think your recipe is amazing and it is better than the Montezumas shredded beef in the tacos.

 

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