Shredded beef is a versatile ingredient used in many classic Tex-Mex and Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. But what cut of beef works best for shredding and pulling? Here’s a closer look at the most common cuts used to make shredded beef.
Chuck Roast
Chuck roast comes from the shoulder/neck region of the cow. It contains a good amount of connective tissue and fat, which helps keep the meat tender and moist during the long cooking times required to shred beef. Chuck roast is also relatively affordable compared to other beef cuts.
Look for a chuck roast that has good marbling (white streaks of fat interspersed in the meat). Try to avoid chunks of visible gristle or thick seams of fat when selecting your roast.
Brisket
Brisket is another excellent choice for shredded beef. It comes from the breast region of the cow. Like chuck roast, it contains a lot of connective tissue that must be broken down through moist cooking methods.
Brisket tends to be leaner than chuck roast, but still has enough fat to keep the finished shredded beef moist. Look for a brisket with moderate marbling when purchasing.
Round Roast
Round roast comes from the back/hindquarters of the cow. It is a very lean cut, so needs to be cooked with extra moisture to prevent it from drying out. Though low in fat, round roast contains a good amount of tough connective tissue that will break down into succulent shreds when cooked properly.
Choose a top round or bottom round roast with some visible marbling for the best shredded texture.
Flank Steak
Flank steak comes from the abdominal area of the cow. It is another very lean cut that can easily dry out, so requires moist cooking techniques. The long muscle fibers in flank steak shred well when cooked to tender perfection.
Look for a flank steak with some marbling to help keep it juicy as it cooks.
Skirt Steak
Skirt steak comes from the diaphragm muscles of the cow. It contains tough fibers that must be cooked thoroughly to become tender enough to shred. When cooked properly, skirt steak shreds into flavorful, beefy strands.
Try to find a skirt steak with some visible marbling for added moisture and flavor.
How to Cook Shredded Beef
No matter which cut you choose, the cooking method is similar. The keys are low, slow moist cooking to fully break down the connective tissues. Here are some common techniques:
- Braise in liquid like broth, wine, or salsa
- Slow cook in a crockpot or Instant Pot
- Smoke or grill “low and slow”
Cook the beef until fork tender. This can take 2-4 hours depending on thickness. Then let it rest before “pulling” or shredding the meat along the natural grain using two forks.
Tips for Shredding Beef
- Cut beef into large chunks before cooking – this makes shredding easier.
- Ensure beef reaches at least 195°F internal temp before shredding.
- Let beef rest about 20 minutes after cooking – this allows juices to re-absorb for moistness.
- Shred beef across the grain – this shortens the muscle fibers for more tender bites.
- Moisten shredded beef with pan juices, broth, or sauce to prevent dryness.
Popular Dishes Using Shredded Beef
Here are some favorite recipes that traditionally call for shredded beef:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Tacos | Shredded beef taco filling, topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc. |
| Burritos | Flour tortillas stuffed with shredded beef, beans, rice, cheese, etc. |
| Nachos | Tortilla chips topped with shredded beef, beans, cheese, jalapeños, etc. |
| Enchiladas | Corn tortillas filled with shredded beef and smothered in enchilada sauce. |
| Tostadas | Flat tortilla chips or tostada shells topped with shredded beef, lettuce, cheese, etc. |
Conclusion
Cuts like chuck roast, brisket, and round roast are all great choices for shredded beef. The key is using a cut with sufficient marbling and connective tissue. Low, slow, moist cooking methods like braising or smoking break down the tough fibers into succulent strands of pulled beef. Shredded beef makes an easy, flavorful filling for many classic Mexican dishes. With the right cut and cooking technique, you can enjoy authentic shredded beef tacos, nachos, burritos, enchiladas, and more.