Shredded Beef Burritos
Shredded Beef Burritos are a flavorful and hearty meal featuring tender, slow-cooked shredded beef wrapped in warm, soft tortillas. This easy-to-make recipe balances savory, spicy, and fresh elements, making it perfect for quick dinners or festive gatherings. Customizable and delicious, these burritos are sure to satisfy any craving.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 burritos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking, Searing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free tortillas or lettuce wraps)
Main Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds chuck roast or beef brisket, well-marbled
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 to 1.5 cups beef broth
- 6 to 8 flour tortillas
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack and cheddar)
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Diced jalapeños or hot sauce (for spicy variation)
- Avocado slices
- Prepare the Beef: Season the chuck roast generously with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until a rich brown crust forms, locking in the juices.
- Slow Cook for Tenderness: Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and beef broth. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the meat becomes tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
- Shred the Beef: Carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker. Use two forks to pull the meat into thin shreds. Mix the shredded beef back into the cooking liquid to absorb all the flavors.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas gently on a skillet or in the microwave until soft and pliable, making them easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble the Burritos: Place a generous scoop of shredded beef onto each warm tortilla. Top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or salsa. Roll the tortillas tightly, folding in the ends to secure the filling.
Notes
- Use well-marbled, fatty beef cuts to ensure juicy, flavorful shredded meat.
- Don’t skip searing the beef; it adds essential depth of flavor.
- Cook low and slow for tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Keep tortillas warm for easier rolling and better taste.
- Make the beef a day ahead to let flavors meld; reheat gently before assembly.
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Substitute with jackfruit or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb version.
- Swap flour tortillas with corn or gluten-free tortillas to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: shredded beef burritos, slow cooked beef, Mexican burritos, easy burrito recipe, weeknight dinner, beef brisket burritos, chuck roast recipe