Carne deshebrada is a classic Mexican dish that is made with shredded beef, vegetables, and spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a weekend meal. It is also incredibly easy to make and requires very few ingredients.
Carne deshebrada is a great way to use up leftover meat or vegetables and is a great way to add some variety to your weeknight meals. In this blog post, we will discuss the basics of carne deshebrada and how to make this tasty dish.
What is Carne Deshebrada?
Carne deshebrada is a traditional Mexican dish that is made with shredded beef, vegetables, and spices. It is typically served with warm tortillas and can be topped with cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
Carne deshebrada is a great way to turn leftover beef or vegetables into a delicious and filling meal. The name of the dish literally means “shredded meat” in Spanish.
What Does It Taste Like?
Carne deshebrada has a rich and savory flavor. The beef is slow-cooked until it is tender and flavorful. The vegetables add a hint of sweetness and crunch. The spices give the dish a kick of flavor and heat. The warm tortillas provide a perfect vehicle for the juicy and flavorful shredded beef.
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Ingredients
For carne deshebrada, you will need:
- 1.5 tablespoons oil (to sear the beef): This ingredient is used to sear the chuck roast, enhancing the flavor and texture of the meat by creating a caramelized crust. It also adds richness to the overall dish.
- 1.5 lbs chuck roast: Chuck roast is a flavorful and well-marbled cut of beef, suitable for slow cooking methods like braising. It becomes tender and shreds easily, contributing to the desired texture of the Carne Deshebrada.
- 1/2 tablespoon salt (to season beef): Salt is a crucial seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the beef, bringing out its savory taste and providing a well-balanced foundation for the dish.
- 1/4 tablespoon ground pepper (to season beef): Pepper adds a mild spiciness and depth to the beef, complementing the other flavors in the recipe.
- 1.5-3 serrano peppers (or jalapenos) (use 1.5 for less spicy, or 3 for spicy): These peppers contribute heat and a distinct spicy flavor to the dish. The quantity can be adjusted to suit personal preferences for spice level.
- 1 cup water (for blending): Water is used to facilitate the blending of the peppers, tomatoes, and other ingredients, creating a smooth and well-mixed sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin adds a warm and earthy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall complexity of the seasoning profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for tomato sauce): This additional salt is used to season the tomato sauce, ensuring that it has a well-balanced and flavorful taste.
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder: Garlic powder contributes a concentrated garlic flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall aroma and taste without the need for fresh garlic.
- 3 roma tomatoes, quartered: Tomatoes add a natural sweetness and acidity to the dish, forming the base of the tomato sauce. They also contribute to the overall richness and color of the Carne Deshebrada.
- 2 cups water (to cook beef): Water is used to cook the chuck roast, helping to tenderize the meat during the slow cooking process.
- 1 bay leaf: Bay leaf imparts a subtle, herbal aroma to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. It is typically used to season braised or slow-cooked dishes.
- 1/2 tablespoon oil (to cook tomato sauce ingredients): This additional oil is used to cook the tomato sauce components, ensuring that the flavors meld together and the sauce achieves the desired consistency.
- 1/2 medium onion, quartered: Onions provide a savory and aromatic base for the dish, contributing depth of flavor and sweetness as they cook down.
- 2 garlic cloves: Fresh garlic cloves add a pungent and aromatic element to the dish, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper (for tomato sauce): This pepper is specifically added to the tomato sauce to ensure a balanced and consistent level of spiciness throughout the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a umami-rich and slightly tangy flavor to the Carne Deshebrada, complementing the other ingredients and contributing to the overall depth of taste.
- 1 large roasted poblano pepper (sliced into strips): Roasted poblano pepper strips add a smoky and mild heat to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile with a distinct southwestern touch.
- 1/4 onion (sliced): Sliced onions contribute a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet taste when added towards the end of cooking, providing a fresh contrast to the shredded beef.
Directions
Making carne deshebrada is incredibly easy and only requires a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Chuck Roast
- Take a chuck roast and rub it with 1/2 tablespoon of salt and 1/4 tablespoon of ground pepper, ensuring an even coating.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
- Heat 1.5 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the seasoned chuck roast on all sides until it develops a rich, brown crust. This step enhances the flavor of the meat.
Step 3: Prepare the Blender Mix
- In a blender, combine serrano peppers, 1 cup of water, ground cumin, and garlic powder.
- Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth mixture.
Step 4: Create the Tomato Sauce
- In the same pot used for searing, add 1/2 tablespoon of oil.
- Add quartered roma tomatoes, quartered onion, garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook the mixture until the tomatoes are soft.
Step 5: Blend the Tomato Sauce
- Pour the blended mix from the blender into the pot with the tomato mixture.
- Blend the ingredients in the pot until a smooth tomato sauce is obtained.
Step 6: Cook the Beef
- Place the seared chuck roast back into the pot with the tomato sauce.
- Add 2 cups of water and a bay leaf to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and allow it to cook until the beef is tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chuck roast, but it typically takes a couple of hours.
Step 7: Shred the Beef
- Once the beef is tender, carefully remove it from the pot.
- Shred the beef using two forks, pulling it apart into bite-sized pieces.
Step 8: Final Assembly
- Return the shredded beef to the pot with the tomato sauce.
- Add sliced roasted poblano pepper and sliced onion to the mixture.
- Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 9: Serve
- Serve the Carne Deshebrada in tacos, burritos, or on its own.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as cilantro, lime wedges, or shredded cheese, to enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish.
Tips
• Use a slow cooker to make carne deshebrada. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• For a spicier carne deshebrada, add an additional jalapeno or use a hotter variety of pepper, such as a habanero or serrano.
• Carne deshebrada can also be made with pork or chicken. Simply substitute the beef with your desired protein.
• You can also add additional vegetables, such as carrots or celery, or add more beans for extra protein.
• If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute it with chicken broth or water.
• Carne deshebrada can be served with rice, beans, or a salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Carne deshebrada is a hearty and filling dish that is packed with nutrients. A single serving of carne deshebrada contains approximately 450 calories, 7.8g of fat, 18.9g of protein, and 14.7g of carbohydrates.
It is also a good source of dietary fiber, iron, zinc, and vitamin A.
What to Serve with Carne Deshebrada?
Carne deshebrada is typically served with warm flour tortillas, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. Here are some additional ideas for what to serve with carne deshebrada:
• Rice
• Refried beans
• Corn or flour tortilla chips
• Shredded lettuce
• Salsa
• Queso fresco
• Avocado slices
• Hot sauce
How to Store Leftover Carne Deshebrada?
Leftover carne deshebrada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
To reheat, simply thaw the carne deshebrada in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Carne Deshebrada?
Carne deshebrada can be made with a variety of proteins. Here are some substitutes you can use in place of the beef:
• Chicken
• Pork
• Turkey
• Tofu
• Tempeh
• Seitan
• Jackfruit
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons oil to sear the beef
- 1 large roasted poblano pepper sliced into strips
- 1.5-3 serrano peppers or jalapenos (use 1.5 for less spicy, or 3 for spicy)
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt for tomato sauce
- 1.5 lbs chuck roast
- 1/4 tablespoon ground pepper to season beef
- 3 roma tomatoes quartered
- 2 cups water to cook beef
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tablespoon oil to cook tomato sauce ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper for tomato sauce
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 medium onion quartered
- 1/2 tablespoon salt to season beef
- 1/4 onion sliced
- 1 cup water for blending
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Rub the chuck roast with 1/2 tablespoon of salt and 1/4 tablespoon of ground pepper.
- Heat 1.5 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the seasoned chuck roast on all sides until browned. This step adds flavor to the meat.
- In a blender, combine serrano peppers, 1 cup of water, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Blend until smooth.
- In the same pot used for searing, add 1/2 tablespoon of oil.
- Add quartered roma tomatoes, quartered onion, garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
- Add the blended mix from the blender to the pot with the tomato mixture.
- Blend the ingredients in the pot until you have a smooth tomato sauce.
- Place the seared chuck roast back into the pot with the tomato sauce.
- Add 2 cups of water and a bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let it cook until the beef is tender. This might take a couple of hours, depending on the thickness of the chuck roast.
- Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded beef to the pot with the tomato sauce.
- Add sliced roasted poblano pepper and sliced onion.
- Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve the Carne Deshebrada in tacos, burritos, or on its own.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as cilantro, lime wedges, or shredded cheese.
Notes
- Use a slow cooker to make carne deshebrada. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- For a spicier carne deshebrada, add an additional jalapeno or use a hotter variety of pepper, such as a habanero or serrano.
- Carne deshebrada can also be made with pork or chicken. Simply substitute the beef with your desired protein.
- You can also add additional vegetables, such as carrots or celery, or add more beans for extra protein.
- If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute it with chicken broth or water.
- Carne deshebrada can be served with rice, beans, or a salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carne deshebrada healthy?
Yes, carne deshebrada is a healthy dish. It is a good source of protein, dietary fiber, iron, zinc, and vitamin A.
Is carne deshebrada gluten-free?
Yes, carne deshebrada is naturally gluten-free.
Can carne deshebrada be frozen?
Yes, carne deshebrada can be frozen for up to three months.
Can I use a slow cooker to make carne deshebrada?
Yes, carne deshebrada can be made in a slow cooker. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
What are some other toppings I can use for carne deshebrada?
Some other toppings you can use for carne deshebrada include shredded lettuce, salsa, queso fresco, avocado slices, and hot sauce.
Can I make carne deshebrada with pork or chicken?
Yes, carne deshebrada can be made with pork or chicken. Simply substitute the beef with your desired protein.
Conclusion
Carne deshebrada is a traditional Mexican dish that is made with shredded beef, vegetables, and spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a weekend meal. It is also incredibly easy to make and requires very few ingredients.
Carne deshebrada is a great way to use up leftover meat or vegetables and is a great way to add some variety to your weeknight meals. With this blog post, you should now have a better understanding of carne deshebrada and how to make this tasty dish.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more