Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tender, juicy pulled beef tacos! Using beef chuck, this recipe turns a tough cut of meat into a flavorful masterpiece, perfect for tacos with melted cheese and a kick of spicy jalapeño sauce. The slow-smoking process and braising method create juicy, flavorful beef that’ll make your taco game next-level.
Smoked and Pulled Beef Chuck Tacos
I had the bottom part of a chuck roast turned into delicious Denver steaks, but I had the top portion left over and decided to get creative. Instead of grinding it into hamburger for a classic beef burger, I wanted to try something new for Cinco de Mayo—pulled beef tacos. I used the same principles as pulled pork but added a twist with a braising step to really break down the meat and bring out its flavor. The result? Tacos you’ll remember.
How to Make Smoked and Pulled Beef Chuck Tacos
Preparation
Start by preheating your smoker to 275°F. Before seasoning the beef chuck, trim off any excess silver skin and connective tissue—beef chuck is a tough cut, so this step is crucial for a tender result. I also sliced through the middle of the roast to create more surface area for seasoning and smoke.
Generously apply Yonedas seasoning to the beef and let it rest for about 20 minutes before placing it on the smoker.
Smoking the Beef Chuck
Place the seasoned beef chuck directly on the smoker and let it smoke at 275°F for 2 hours, or until the exterior starts to caramelize and form a flavorful crust.
Afterward, transfer the chuck into a foil tray and pour in beef broth until the beef is almost covered. Cover the tray with foil to trap the moisture, then return it to the smoker and continue cooking for another 2 hours, or until the beef is tender enough to shred.
Straining the Au Jus
Once the beef is done, use a fat separator to strain the liquid from the foil tray. This removes excess fat and gives you a flavorful jus for moistening the shredded beef.
Shredding the Beef and Assembling the Tacos
Shred the beef using your hands, making sure it comes apart nicely. After shredding, reintroduce some of the strained au jus into the beef to achieve your preferred moisture level.
Meanwhile, warm your tortillas on the smoker and add some cheese before placing them on the grill. Once the tortillas are heated and the cheese is melted, fill each one with a generous amount of shredded beef. Drizzle with Smoke Show Jalapeño Hot Sauce for that perfect spicy kick, and serve.
Best Beer To Pair With Smoked and Pulled Beef Chuck Tacos
Mexican Lager
A light, crisp lager will balance the richness of the beef and the heat of the jalapeño sauce.
IPA
A hoppy IPA complements the smoky beef and cuts through the richness of the tacos.
Stout
A dark stout brings out the savory, beefy flavors, adding a depth that pairs perfectly with the richness of the tacos.
Smoked and Pulled Beef Chuck Tacos
Equipment
- Louisiana Grills 800 Premier
- Hickory Wood Pellets
- BBQ Tongs
- You Need a BBQ Cutting Board
- Yonedas Okami Chef Knife
- Aluminum foil
- Foil Trays
- Fat Separator
Ingredients
- 1 each Chuck Roast – Denver’s Removed
- 1 cup Yonedas Gold Seasoning
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 1 package Grated Cheese
- ¼ cup Smoke Show Lightly Smoked Jalapeno Hot Sauce
- 12 each Fresh Corn Tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 275°F.
- Trim silver skin and apply Yonedas seasoning to the beef.
- Smoke for 2 hours until caramelized.
- Transfer to foil tray, cover with beef broth, and braise on smoker for another 2 hours.
- Strain the jus and shred the beef.
- Reintroduce some of the jus to the shredded beef.
- Warm tortillas with cheese on the smoker, then fill with beef and drizzle with Smoke Show Jalapeño Hot Sauce.
Smoked and Pulled Beef Chuck Tacos FAQs
Where is the best place to get Beef Chuck?
You can find beef chuck at many grocery stores, but it’s always a good idea to check with your local butcher or a specialty grocery store with in-house butchers, like Freson Bros. You can also call ahead to make sure they have some reserved for you.
What other cuts of beef can I use for pulled beef?
Beef chuck is ideal for pulled beef, but other well-marbled cuts like brisket, tri-tip, round roast, and rump roast also work well. Look for cuts with good fat content for the best results.
What else can I do with pulled beef?
Pulled beef is incredibly versatile! You can use it for beef dip sandwiches, roast beef sandwiches, enchiladas, or pulled beef chili. For something different, try making pulled beef fried rice for an unexpected but delicious twist.