Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos are a perfect blend of sweet and smoky heat, featuring tender, slow-cooked beef infused with honey, chipotle peppers, and aromatic spices. These tacos are packed with bold flavors and are incredibly easy to make, whether in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed – The combination of smoky chipotle, sweet honey, and savory beef creates a delicious balance of flavors.
- Easy to Make – Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the hard work for you.
- Perfect for Gatherings – Great for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
- Customizable – Load them up with your favorite toppings to make them just the way you like.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef chuck roast
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Honey
- Garlic
- Onion
- Beef broth
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, pickled onions, cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Beef – Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast and season it generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the Meat – In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step is optional but enhances the flavor.
- Slow Cook – Place the beef in a slow cooker and add chopped onion, minced garlic, chipotle peppers, honey, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and oregano. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Beef – Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return it to the sauce and let it soak up all the flavors.
- Warm the Tortillas – Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame for a slight char.
- Assemble the Tacos – Fill each tortilla with the shredded beef and top with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, and pickled onions.
- Serve and Enjoy – Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker)
Variations
- Spicier Version – Add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne for more heat.
- Taco Bowl Option – Serve the shredded beef over rice with black beans, salsa, and guacamole.
- Cheesy Twist – Melt cheese on the tortillas before adding the beef for extra richness.
- Gluten-Free – Use corn tortillas to keep it gluten-free.
- Low-Carb – Skip the tortillas and serve the beef in lettuce wraps.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How spicy are these tacos?
The chipotle peppers give them a medium heat level, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or fewer peppers.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before shredding the beef.
What cut of beef works best?
Beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup or brown sugar can be used as substitutes.
What toppings go well with these tacos?
Avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, pickled onions, crumbled cheese, and sour cream all pair beautifully.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! The beef tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.
What if I don’t have chipotle peppers?
You can use smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce for a similar smoky heat.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer the beef in a covered pot on low heat for about 3-4 hours until tender.
How do I keep my tortillas from breaking?
Warm them up before using, either in a dry skillet or briefly in the microwave wrapped in a damp towel.
What side dishes go well with these tacos?
Mexican rice, black beans, street corn, or a fresh mango salsa are great side options.
Conclusion
Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos are the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, making them an instant favorite for taco nights. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is easy, versatile, and absolutely delicious. Try them once, and they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker) / 1 hour (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner, Tacos
- Method: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos are the ultimate balance of sweet and smoky heat, featuring tender, slow-cooked beef infused with honey, chipotle peppers, and aromatic spices. These tacos are packed with bold flavors and perfect for easy weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Serve them with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, and pickled onions for a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, pickled onions, crumbled cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Trim excess fat from the chuck roast and season it generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the Meat (Optional): In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef on all sides until browned for added depth of flavor.
- Slow Cook: Place the beef in a slow cooker and add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chipotle peppers, honey, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and oregano. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the sauce and mix well.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame for a slight char.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each tortilla with the shredded beef and top with avocado, cilantro, pickled onions, or your favorite toppings.
- Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and enjoy!
Notes
- Spicier Version: Add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne.
- Taco Bowl Option: Serve the shredded beef over rice with black beans and guacamole.
- Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas.
- Low-Carb: Serve in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
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