
Tender, juicy beef slow-cooked in a vibrant blend of citrus, tomatoes, and smoky spices. This melt-in-your-mouth shredded beef is perfect for tacos, burritos, or hearty bowls.
In a small bowl, combine the chipotle powder, paprika, dried oregano, allspice, coriander powder, and onion or garlic powder. Rub about 4 teaspoons of this spice mix onto the beef pieces, patting it down so it adheres well.
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the beef (work in batches if necessary) and sear until deeply browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside on a plate.
Reduce the heat to medium. If the pot is dry, add a splash more oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened.
Pour in the orange juice and lime juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, releasing the flavorful browned bits (fond) into the liquid.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef stock, water, and the remaining spice mix. Return the seared beef and any accumulated juices back into the pot.
Cover with a lid and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, turn the heat down to low so the liquid bubbles gently. Cook for 2 hours.
Remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes. This allows the beef to become completely tender and the sauce to begin reducing.
Transfer the beef to a large dish and shred it using two forks. It should pull apart easily.
Simmer the remaining sauce uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens to your liking. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. For a professional finish, you can blend the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth.
Toss the shredded beef back into the thickened sauce. Serve warm in tortillas with avocado, pico de gallo, cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Beef chuck is the best cut for this recipe as the connective tissue breaks down into a succulent texture. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours. Leftover beef can be frozen in its sauce for up to 3 months.