Ingredients
Scale
For the Chili Paste:
- 4 dried guajillo peppers
- 4 dried ancho chiles
- 4 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup organic beef stock (or water)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
For the Meat & Consommé (Dipping Sauce):
- 3 lbs organic chuck roast, cut into medium-large chunks (or beef shank, lamb, or chicken)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ onion, diced
- 4 cups organic beef stock
- 2 cups water
For the Tacos:
- 12 organic corn tortillas
- Shredded Oaxaca cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chili Paste
- Remove the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chiles.
- Bring the beef stock to a boil in a medium pot. Add the chiles, cover, and let them sit for 15-20 minutes until softened.
- Transfer the softened chiles to a blender or food processor along with the remaining chili paste ingredients. Blend until smooth and thick, adding more beef stock or water if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides for about 3-4 minutes each.
- Remove the beef and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the onions until fragrant and translucent (1-2 minutes).
- Stir in the chili paste and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the beef stock, water, and seared beef. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Braise in the Oven
- Cover the Dutch oven and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Cook for about 2½ hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Remove from the oven and shred the meat, keeping it in the sauce for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Remove 1 cup of the broth from the pot and place it in a small bowl. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for the dipping sauce.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Dip a tortilla into the reserved broth and place it in the skillet.
- Add shredded beef, diced onions, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half and cook until crispy and golden on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Repeat until all tacos are made.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours