Skip to main content

Shredded Meat for Tacos, Tortillas, Burritos, and Casseroles

Shredded meat is a staple in both Mexican and southwestern kitchens, and is a perfect side to make in a slow cooker. It can be used to fill tacos, burritos, and tostadas or can just be tossed with scrambled eggs for breakfast. The following simple recipe can be made with beef, pork, or even turkey. Cooking times may vary according to type and cut of meat, but in general, when your desired result is meat that can easily be shredded, anything cooked for 6 to 8 hours ought to work out fine.

Cooks' Note

Suggested Beverage: A blond beer.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck or brisket, pork butt or shoulder, or turkey breast or leg
1 teaspoon salt
1 yellow onion, cut into large chunks
4 cloves garlic, whole
1 quart water

Preparation

  1. Trim the meat of all fat. Place the meat, salt, onion, garlic, and water in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours, until the meat is very tender. Remove the meat from the cooker, allow it to cool, and then shred it using your fingers or 2 forks. The stock can be frozen for later use in soups or stews.

The Gourmet Slow Cooker: Volume II
Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.