Slow-Cooked Beef Tacos with Chipotle Crema
Tender braised beef tacos topped with smoky chipotle crema and fresh cilantro-lime slaw. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 175 minutes turns cut into 2-inch cubes beef chuck, large, diced onion, minced garlic into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, cut into 2-inch cubes beef chuck
- 1 large, diced onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2, finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1/2 cup crema
- 1, mashed avocado
- 8 corn tortillas
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add beef cubes and cook 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, and 1/2 cup broth. Cook 2 minutes, then add browned beef, remaining broth, and chipotle peppers. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Cover and transfer to a 300°F (150°C) oven. Braise for 2.5-3 hours until beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Step 4: For crema: Whisk crema, 1 tbsp adobo sauce from the peppers, and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Add mashed avocado and stir until blended.
- Step 5: Serve beef in warm tortillas, topped with chipotle crema and a spoonful of cilantro-lime slaw (see notes).
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Beef Tacos with Chipotle Crema take to make?
Total time is about 175 minutes (25 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Beef Tacos with Chipotle Crema?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Beef Tacos with Chipotle Crema?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Cooked Beef Tacos with Chipotle Crema for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow-Cooked Beef Tacos with Chipotle Crema?
Mexican beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
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