Mexican Shredded Beef Dish (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Beef

01 - 3-4 lb boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 7-8 pieces
02 - 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Spice Rub

03 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
04 - 1 tablespoon ground cumin
05 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 1 ½ teaspoons table salt)
06 - ½ tablespoon garlic powder
07 - ½ tablespoon onion powder
08 - ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
11 - ½-1 ½ teaspoons chipotle chili powder (depending on heat preference)

→ Braising Liquid

12 - 1 cup reduced sodium beef broth
13 - 1 cup mild salsa (or medium for more spice)
14 - 1 (4 oz) can mild diced green chilies, undrained
15 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
16 - 2 tablespoons lime juice
17 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
18 - 1-3 teaspoons liquid smoke (to taste)
19 - 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules, cubes, or base (crushed if using cubes)
20 - 1 tablespoon dried oregano

# Instructions:

01 - Whisk together all spice rub ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
02 - Pat beef pieces dry and liberally season with the spice rub, pressing gently to adhere. Reserve excess rub for later.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef pieces on all sides.
04 - Place seared beef into a slow cooker along with all braising liquid ingredients and any leftover spice rub. Stir to combine.
05 - Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 ½ – 4 ½ hours or on LOW for 6–8 hours, until the beef shreds easily.
06 - Remove beef from the slow cooker and shred with two forks, discarding excess fat.
07 - Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, mixing with remaining juices. Cook on low for 20 minutes to absorb flavors.
08 - Remove beef from juices before serving. Use for tacos, burritos, nachos, or other dishes. Store any leftover beef for up to 5 days refrigerated or freeze for longer storage.

# Notes:

01 - For smokier beef, increase liquid smoke slightly.
02 - Leftover juices can be used as broth for cooking rice.