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Mexican Shredded Beef
StewsEasy

Mexican Shredded Beef

105 min (15 prep + 90 cook) Easy 6 servings Norte
Edmond Bojalil
Edmond Bojalil

Recetas Mexas

Published: 24 Mar 2026 · Updated: 25 Mar 2026
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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. 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.

    Step 1
  2. 2

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

    Step 2
  3. 3

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

    Step 3
  4. 4

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

    Step 4
  5. 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.

    Step 5

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Edmond Bojalil
Edmond Bojalil

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.

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