Name: Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484756H25M6S
Total time: PT-484756H25M6S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or brisket), trimmed and cut into large chunks; 1 cup beef broth; 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, plus 1 tablespoon sauce; 3 tablespoons honey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 bay leaves; Corn or flour tortillas; Toppings: Avocado, cilantro, queso fresco, pickled onions, sour cream, lime wedges

These Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos are a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. Slow-cooked beef is infused with chipotle peppers, honey, and spices, creating tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this dish is an easy way to bring bold flavors to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors
Slow-cooked for tender, juicy shredded beef
Great for tacos, burritos, or bowls
Minimal prep—let the slow cooker do the work
Ideal for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Beef chuck roast (or brisket)
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Honey
Garlic, minced
Onion, chopped
Beef broth
Apple cider vinegar
Lime juice
Cumin
Smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper
Bay leaves
Corn or flour tortillas (for serving)
Toppings: avocado, cilantro, queso fresco, pickled onions, sour cream

Directions

Prepare the beef: Trim excess fat from the chuck roast and cut it into large chunks.
Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, honey, garlic, onion, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and beef broth. Blend until smooth.
Slow cook: Place the beef in a slow cooker and pour the blended sauce over it. Add cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and bay leaves.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours) until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Shred the beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the sauce. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Assemble tacos: Warm tortillas and fill them with shredded beef. Top with avocado, cilantro, queso fresco, pickled onions, or your favorite toppings.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Mild Version: Reduce chipotle peppers and increase honey for a sweeter, milder taste.
Instant Pot Version: Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with a natural release.
Pork Version: Swap beef for pork shoulder for a delicious alternative.
Taco Bowl: Serve over rice with black beans, avocado, and salsa.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a little beef broth if needed.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How spicy are these tacos?

They have a smoky heat from the chipotle peppers, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Beef brisket or short ribs also work well for slow cooking.

What tortillas work best?

Corn tortillas are great for authentic flavor, but flour tortillas work well too.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beef tastes even better the next day after soaking up the flavors.

What can I serve with these tacos?

Black beans, Mexican rice, street corn, or a fresh cabbage slaw pair well.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let the shredded beef sit in the sauce uncovered on “warm” for 15-20 minutes, or simmer the sauce separately.

Can I cook this in an oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Bake at 300°F (150°C) in a covered Dutch oven for 3-4 hours until tender.

What toppings go well with these tacos?

Avocado, pickled onions, cotija cheese, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime add great flavor.

Can I use honey substitutes?

Yes, maple syrup or brown sugar can work as alternatives.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to fit the extra meat.

Conclusion

These Honey Chipotle Shredded Beef Tacos bring bold flavors to the table with minimal effort. The combination of smoky chipotle, sweet honey, and tender beef makes for an irresistible meal that works for tacos, bowls, and more. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a crowd, this easy recipe is sure to impress!