Shredded beef in tomato sauce, the base for tacos and burritos.
About this recipe
Shredded beef is a Mexican kitchen staple: beef slow-cooked until very tender, shredded into threads and stewed in a tomato and chilli sauce. Versatile as a filling for tacos, burritos, tortas or served with rice.
History & Origin
Shredded beef is a preservation and utilisation technique that became popular in northern Mexico, where cattle ranching is the main economic activity. The meat is slowly cooked with herbs and then shredded to create a versatile filling.
Estimated cost
£10.10
Total cost
£1.68
Per serving
* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets
Nutritional information per serving
280
Calories
32g
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
2g
Fibre
580mg
Sodium
* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.
Method
- 1
Cook the beef in salted water with half an onion, garlic, bay leaves and coriander for 1.5 hours on medium-low heat until it shreds easily. Reserve the broth.

- 2
Let the meat cool and shred into fine threads using two forks.

- 3
Roast the tomatoes and serrano chillies on a comal. Blend with a splash of water.

- 4
In a pan with hot oil, saute the diced onion until translucent. Add the sauce and fry for 5 minutes.

- 5
Add the shredded beef to the sauce. Pour in half a cup of cooking broth and cook for 10 more minutes over medium heat.

Have you tried this recipe?
Tell us how it turned out. Your feedback helps other cooks.
Leave a reviewRate this recipe

Founder, Recetas Mexas
Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 736+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for European kitchens. Based in Madrid since 2018.
Read moreRelated Recipes

Chiles Capones
Dried ancho chillies stuffed with fresh cheese in tomato sauce.

Refried Beans
Cooked beans mashed and fried in lard, an essential Mexican side dish.

Chilorio (Sinaloan Shredded Pork)
Shredded pork in ancho chile adobo, Sinaloa's pride.

Poc Chuc (Yucatan Grilled Pork)
Pork marinated in sour orange and charcoal-grilled, a Yucatan classic.
