Pioneer Woman Shredded Beef Tacos

Pioneer Woman Shredded Beef Tacos are packed with bold chipotle flavor, slow-cooked until fork-tender, and perfect for taco night. With juicy, spice-rubbed beef and a savory tomato-lime sauce, this easy dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—great for family meals, parties, or weekly meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Shredded Beef Taco Recipe

• Flavor overload: Slow-cooked beef gets infused with chipotle, paprika, garlic, and citrus for unforgettable flavor.
• Perfect for a crowd: This recipe makes a big batch—ideal for taco Tuesdays, game day spreads, or freezer prep.
• Easy but impressive: Minimal hands-on time, just let it simmer while you go about your day.
• Customizable & versatile: Serve in tortillas, taco bowls, quesadillas, or nachos.

Ingredients:

Spice Mix:

• 1 ½ tbsp chipotle powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp allspice powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tsp onion powder or garlic powder (or 1 tsp each)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Beef & Sauce:

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 lbs beef chuck or brisket, cut into 4 pieces
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, diced
• ¾ cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• ½ cup water
• Salt & pepper to taste

How to Make Pioneer Woman Shredded Beef Tacos

1. Combine & serve: Stir shredded beef back into the sauce. Serve warm in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
2. Season the beef: Rub 4 tsp of the spice mix all over the beef pieces.
3. Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large pot. Sear the beef on all sides until deeply browned. Set aside.
4. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat, add garlic and onion to the same pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Deglaze & build flavor: Pour in orange and lime juice, scraping up browned bits. Stir in tomatoes, broth, water, and the remaining spice mix.
6. Simmer low and slow: Return beef to the pot. Cover and simmer on low for 2 hours. Uncover and simmer 30 more minutes, until beef is tender and shreds easily.
7. Shred the beef: Remove beef, shred with two forks.
8. Reduce the sauce: Simmer sauce uncovered 10–15 minutes until thickened. (Optional: blend for a smoother texture.)

Expert Recipe Tips

• Brown = flavor: Don’t skip the searing step—it builds depth!
• Go slow: Simmering gently helps the beef break down and stay juicy.
• Customize spice: Add more chipotle for heat, or reduce for a milder version.
• Make ahead: This dish only gets better the next day.

Tasty Serving Ideas

• Corn or flour tortillas
• Sliced avocado
• Pico de gallo
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage slaw
• Queso fresco or shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Fresh lime wedges
• Cilantro

Recipe Variations

• Street Taco Style: Serve with just onion, cilantro, and lime in corn tortillas.
• Barbacoa-Inspired: Add bay leaves and a splash of apple cider vinegar.
• Taco Bowls: Spoon beef over rice or quinoa with beans and veggies.
• Nacho Night: Pile onto tortilla chips with melted cheese and jalapeños.
• Spicy Verde: Swap crushed tomatoes for salsa verde and green chiles.

Storage Instructions

In the Fridge:
Store shredded beef (in sauce) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

In the Freezer:
Freeze cooled beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water for 5–7 minutes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I make this in a slow cooker?
  Yes! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7–8 hours.
• What other cuts of beef can I use?
  Bottom round, gravy beef, or any slow-cooking cut will work.
• Can I use fresh tomatoes?
  Yes—use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes and increase simmer time slightly to help them break down.
• Is it spicy? Can I make it milder?
  It has a smoky kick. Reduce the chipotle powder for a gentler heat, or add more if you love spice!
• How long does it keep?
  3 days in the fridge, 3 months in the freezer—perfect for meal prep!

More Pioneer Woman Recipe:

• Pioneer Woman Brunswick Stew Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Beef Fajitas
• Pioneer Woman City Chicken Recipe

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 372
• Protein: 53.8g
• Carbohydrates: 7.3g
• Fat: 12.9g
• Saturated Fat: 4.4g
• Cholesterol: 152mg
• Sodium: 597mg
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Sugar: 4.3g