Shredded Beef Tacos With Crispy Cheese (Printable)
Slow-braised beef with spices, topped with crispy cheese shells and fresh garnishes
# Ingredient List:
→ Beef
01 - 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 cup beef broth
11 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce
→ Crispy Cheese
12 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
13 - 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Tacos & Toppings
14 - 12 small corn or flour tortillas
15 - 1 red onion, finely diced
16 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
18 - 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
19 - Salsa, as desired
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F.
02 - Pat the beef dry and season thoroughly with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano.
03 - Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until deeply browned.
04 - Add minced garlic, beef broth, and tomato sauce around the beef. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven.
05 - Braise for 2 to 2.5 hours, until beef is fork tender and easily shreds.
06 - Remove beef from the cooking liquid and shred using two forks. Mix the shredded beef back with the cooking juices.
07 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup mixed shredded cheese in a circle. When cheese melts and begins to crisp at the edges, place a tortilla on top and press gently.
08 - Cook until the cheese is golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and briefly warm the other side. Remove and keep warm. Repeat for remaining tortillas.
09 - Fill each crispy cheese tortilla generously with shredded beef. Top with diced onion, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and salsa. Serve with lime wedges.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The cheese crust transforms ordinary tacos into something restaurant quality with almost no extra effort
- Beef that braises for hours means minimal hands on time and maximum flavor payoff
02 -
- Do not rush the searing step since those browned bits are where all the deep flavor lives
- The cheese needs to be fully melted and crisping before you add the tortilla or it will not hold together
03 -
- Shred the beef while it is still warm but cool enough to handle for the most tender texture
- Double the cheese shells and make extras as crispy snacks on their own