Craving restaurant-quality street tacos without spending hours in the kitchen? Get ready to transform an ordinary chuck roast into mouthwatering, tender shredded beef that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Mexico! This Instant Pot recipe is your secret weapon for creating incredibly juicy, flavor-packed tacos in just over an hour, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Taco shells for serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the beef chuck roast by patting it dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and add a small amount of oil. Brown the chuck roast on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and slightly translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over the onions, stirring to toast the spices and release their aromatic oils.
- Return the beef to the Instant Pot and pour beef broth around the meat, ensuring it doesn't wash off the spices.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Remove the beef and shred using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Strain and reserve the cooking liquid, skimming off excess fat. Mix a small amount back into the shredded beef for moisture.
- Warm taco shells and fill with shredded beef, garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with optional side of lime wedges, salsa, or additional toppings as desired.
Tips
- Choose the right cut: Chuck roast is ideal for shredding due to its high fat content and connective tissues that break down beautifully during pressure cooking.
- Pat the meat dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and flavor development.
- Don't skip the searing step - it creates a rich, caramelized exterior that adds depth to your final dish.
- Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor profile. Toasting spices briefly before adding liquid enhances their aromatic qualities.
- Allow natural pressure release for the first 15 minutes to help keep the meat tender and prevent it from becoming tough.
- Reserve some cooking liquid when shredding to maintain moisture in the meat.
- Warm your taco shells just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and texture.
- Experiment with additional toppings like pickled onions, radishes, or a squeeze of fresh lime to customize your tacos.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
