How to make Beef Machaca Tacos
Ingredients:
Beef Machaca Tacos
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 red onion sliced
2 cloves garlic large, minced
2 anaheim chiles stemmed, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
1 large jalapeño chile stemmed, seeded, and diced
2 roma tomatoes cored, seeded, and diced
shredded beef from 1 recipe Uno-Dos-Tres Shredded Beef and Broth (recipe below)
2 tsp kosher salt
2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
1/2 cup tomatillo-chipotle salsa (recipe below)
1/2 cup broth from Uno-Dos-Tres Shredded Beef and Broth (recipe below)
1/4 cup cilantro chopped fresh
12 – 16 Corn tortillas
Diced red onion or thinly sliced green onions, green parts only for serving
chopped fresh cilantro leaves for serving
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese or grated cotija cheese for serving
Pico de Gallo for serving
Uno-Dos-Tres Shredded Beef And Broth
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 lbs beef top round or stew meat untrimmed, cut into 2-inch cubes
1 1/2 lbs beef shank or beef soup bones
1 large white onion cut into quarters
2 roma tomatoes whole
1 carrot peeled and cut crosswise into 4 pieces
6 cloves garlic peeled
1/2 jalapeño chile stemmed and seeded
2 bay leaves
2 tsp black peppercorns
2 allspice berries
1 clove whole
2 sprigs epazote flat-leaf parsley (optional)
6 cups Water
1 tsp kosher salt
Tomatillo-Chopitle Salsa
1 tbsp vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic large, peeled
1 cup white onion or yellow, diced
1 lb tomatillos (about 10 tomatillos), husked and roughly chopped
4 roma tomatoes cored and cut into quarters
1/2 Water
2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 cup chipotles chiles in adobo sauce
1/4 cup Cilantro leaves chopped fresh
Instructions:
Beef Machaca Tacos
Press Sauté—normal/medium on the Instant Pot and heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the onion, garlic, Anaheim chiles, jalapeño, and tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add the shredded beef, salt, pepper, salsa, and broth.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture is dry and thick. (It should not be saucy; if it is, using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a plate, then simmer the cooking liquid until very thick. Return the beef to the pot and stir to combine.) Stir in the cilantro. Press Cancel.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. One at a time, add the tortillas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until crisped and spotty brown on both sides. Transfer to a large plate.
Transfer the machaca to a serving bowl. Serve with the diced onion, cilantro, Monterey Jack cheese, pico de gallo, and the tortillas for making tacos.
Note- You may substitute store-bought jarred or fresh green salsa, ideally made with tomatillos, for the Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa.
Variation For a hearty machaca platillo, serve the machaca with Arroz Rojo, Refried Pinto Beans, and warmed flour tortillas.
Uno-Dos-Tres Shredded Beef And Broth
In a heavy-bottomed large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the beef in a single layer and cook until well browned on all sides, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the beef cubes to the Instant Pot as they are done. When there is enough room in the pan, add the beef shank and cook until well browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the shank to the Instant Pot.
Add the onion quarters and the tomatoes to the skillet and cook, turning only once or twice, for about 5 minutes, until soft. Transfer to the Instant Pot.
Add the carrot, garlic, jalapeño, bay, peppercorns, allspice, clove, and epazote (if using) to the skillet, and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes, until the garlic is light golden brown and the spices are fragrant. Pour in 2 cups of the water and, using a wooden spoon, scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
Pour the mixture into the Instant Pot. Add the remaining 4 cups water and the salt to the pot.
Secure the lid and set the Pressure Release to Sealing. Press Pressure Cook, then set the cooking time for 25 minutes.
When the cooking program is complete, press Cancel. Perform a quick pressure release by moving the Pressure Release to Venting. Open the pot and let cool for 1 hour.
Using tongs, transfer the meat to a plate. Remove any meat from the shank and discard the bones. Set a wire-mesh strainer over a large bowl. Lift the inner pot out of the Instant Pot housing and pour the broth into the strainer. Discard the solids in the strainer.
Spoon about 1/2 cup of the broth over the meat to keep it moist, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The broth can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Tomatillo-Chopitle Salsa
Press Sauté—normal/medium on the Instant Pot and heat the oil. Add garlic and onion and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute. Add the tomatillos and tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes, until barely softened. Press Cancel. Stir in the water and salt.
Secure the lid and set the Pressure Release to Sealing. Press Pressure Cook, then set the cooking time for 3 minutes.
When the cooking program is complete, press Cancel. Perform a quick pressure release by moving the Pressure Release to Venting.
Open the pot, then add the chipotle chiles. Using an immersion blender, puree the mixture directly in the pot until almost smooth—a little texture is okay. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a regular blender and pulse a few times. (The contents are hot, so don’t fill your blender more than half full and pulse carefully. You may need to do it in batches.) Add the cilantro and pulse a few times to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes- For a more tomatoey salsa, use only 8 ounces tomatillos and increase to 6 tomatoes. Add 1/4 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano along with the garlic and onion.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 12 | SERVING SIZE: 1 Tacos
Calories: 315 kcal | Total Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 595mg | Total Carbohydrates: 23g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 3g | Protein: 14g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use store-bought shredded beef for the tacos?
Yes, you can use store-bought shredded beef if you don’t want to make Uno-Dos-Tres Shredded Beef and Broth from scratch. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and complements the other flavors in the tacos.
Can I make the Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa less spicy?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder salsa, you can reduce the amount of chipotle chiles or omit them altogether.
Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.
Are there any alternative tortillas I can use?
While corn tortillas are traditional for these tacos, you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer.
Alternatively, you can try using lettuce leaves or other gluten-free or low-carb tortilla substitutes.
Can I make the shredded beef and salsa in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the shredded beef and Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa ahead of time. Refrigerate the beef and store the salsa in an airtight container for up to a few days.
This can save time when assembling the tacos later.
What are some recommended side dishes to serve with Beef Machaca Tacos?
For a complete meal, you can serve the tacos with traditional Mexican side dishes such as Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice), Refried Pinto Beans, and a fresh salad.
These sides complement the flavors of the tacos and create a satisfying meal experience.
Can I use a different type of meat for the shredded beef?
Yes, you can use alternative cuts of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket, for the shredded beef.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat becomes tender and easily shredable.
Is there a substitute for epazote in the Uno-Dos-Tres Shredded Beef And Broth recipe?
If you can’t find epazote, you can omit it from the recipe. Epazote adds a unique flavor, but the shredded beef will still be delicious without it.
What are some garnishing ideas for Beef Machaca Tacos?
Aside from the suggested toppings, you can also add sliced avocado, pickled red onions, lime wedges, or sour cream as additional garnishes for the tacos.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the Tomatillo-Chipotle Salsa?
Yes, you have control over the salsa’s spiciness. If you prefer a milder salsa, reduce the amount of chipotle chiles or omit them entirely.
Taste and adjust the seasonings to suit your preference.