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Emily Fabulous » Recipes » Easy Dinner Recipes

Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef

Published: Jan 15, 2020 · Modified: Apr 2, 2023 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

Jump to Recipe
mexican shredded beef tacos
mexican beef.
instant pot mexican beef.

This Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef is so quick and easy that it will become a go-to for any family. This recipe has limited prep time, only 45 minutes of cooking time, and endless serving possibilities!

mexican-shredded-beef-made-in-the-instant-pot-in-a-bowl-
Jump to:
  • Why I Love This Recipe
  • Key Ingredients for This Recipe
  • How to Make Shredded Beef with Mexican Spices
  • How to Make this Shredded Beef More or Less Spicy
  • Expert Tips
  • Serving Suggestions for Spicy Shredded Beef
  • More Mexican-Inspired Recipes To Try
  • Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef

It's no secret that I love Mexican food. So, when people ask me, "If you could only eat one cusine for the rest of your life, what would it be?" my answer is always "Something Mexican!"

Check out my list of Instant Pot Mexican Recipes for more easy and delicious recipes when you are in the mood for Mexican-inspired food!

Why I Love This Recipe

One of the best things about Mexican cuisine is that there are so many possibilities of dishes to make once you have your meat. This Instant Pot Spicy Shredded Beef recipe will make dinner or serving a crowd so much easier.

The other great thing about this recipe and Mexican-inspired food in general is that you can make it your own by adding extra spices, vegetables, or whatever you like.

instant-pot-shredded-beef-with-mexican-spices

Key Ingredients for This Recipe

  • Stew meat or beef roast - Either cut of beef will work and both are easy to work with. If you purchase a whole cut of meat cut it into smaller pieces when cooking the Instant Pot for even cooking.
  • Ground cumin - Cumin is very common in Mexican recipes for its distinct taste which is warm, earthy, and slightly smoky.
  • Ground cloves - Cloves add another unique flavor to the dish. Adding cloves enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic, and slightly sweet notes that complement the richness of the meat and balance other spices.
  • Canned chipotle peppers - Canned chipotle peppers add spiciness to this recipe as well as flavor. Canned chipotles are smoked jalapeños in a tangy, spiced tomato-based adobo sauce, adding a smoky element to dishes.

How to Make Shredded Beef with Mexican Spices

instant pot beef before sauteing.

Step 1: Dry the beef well with a paper towel and cut it into equally sized cubes if not already in pieces. Turn the Instant Pot to "Saute" mode, add the olive oil, and let it heat up for 1-2 minutes.

instant pot beef after browning.

Step 2: Add the beef pieces and brown on all sides for about 10 minutes.

instant pot mexican shredded beef.

Step 3: Add all of the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir together. Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 45 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally.

instant pot mexican shredded beef.

Step 4: After the pin drops, carefully take off the lid and remove the bay leaves. Use your metal tongs to shred the beef and stir the juices. The picture below is just stirring with metal tongs!

shredded mexican beef after cooking in instant pot

How to Make this Shredded Beef More or Less Spicy

This recipe has canned chipotles in adobo sauce in it which are smoked and dried jalapeños rehydrated and canned in a purée of tomato, garlic, vinegar, and spices. I don't like super spicy foods but these add a wonderful smokiness and flavor with just a little bit of spice. If you don't want a lot of heat only add 1 or 2 peppers.

If you do want extra spice, add more chipotle peppers or try adding a fresh-cut jalapeno or serrano pepper. Because I don't like a lot of heat spice, I always start with less chipotle. You can always add spice, but you can't take it away.

Expert Tips

  • Searing the meat before pressure cooking adds and locks in the flavor of the beef.
  • Cutting a large cut of meat before sauteing and cooking results in a better texture and even cooking.
  • If you want crispy edges, spread the beef on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes for more texture.
  • If you don't use the whole can of chipotle peppers, which you probably will not, you can freeze the rest of them for your next batch of shredded beef or another dish.
fried mexican shredded beef tacos with topping and a side of guacamole

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Shredded Beef

  • Tacos - try this beef with my Doritos Locos Tacos.
  • Chimichangas - my Air Fryer Chimichangas are perfect for this recipe!
  • Nachos - Who doesn't love shredded beef nachos?
  • Enchiladas - The smokiness of this beef makes enchiladas irresistible.
  • Taco Salads - Taco salads and shredded beef are a match made in heaven.
  • Beef Sandwiches - This Mexican beef is amazing between 2 slices of bread.
  • Beef Tortilla Soup - Take my Chunky Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe and replace chicken with beef!

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes To Try

  • Instant Pot Mexican style refried beans
    Instant Pot Mexican Style Beans
  • taco bell mexican pizza copycat with sour cream
    Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe
  • baked-chile-rellenos
    Baked Chile Rellenos
  • bowl of chunky chicken tortilla soup.
    Chunky Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you get a chance to make this Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.

instant pot shredded beef with mexican spices

Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef

Easy and Flavorful Mexican-inspired Spicy Shredded Beef made in the Instant Pot in an hour.
5 from 16 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Recipe Recipe Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Natural Steam Release: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 318kcal
Author: Emily
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Equipment

  • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
  • metal tongs

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1½-2 pounds stew meat or beef roast, cubed
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2-3 bay leaves
  • 2-4 canned chipotle peppers
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

Instructions

  • Dry the beef well with a paper towel and cut into equally sized cubes. Turn the Instant Pot to "Saute" mode, add the olive oil and allow it to heat up for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the beef pieces and brown on all sides for about 10 minutes.
  • Once the meat is nice and brown, add all of the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir everything together. Lock the lid in place and close the steam vent. Set to Pressure Cook on HIGH for 45 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally before removing the lid. This step is important to help with the tenderness of the beef and will also make it easier to shred.
  • After the pin drops, carefully take off the lid and remove the bay leaves. Use your metal tongs to shred the beef and stir the juices. Dinner is served!

Notes

  • Searing the meat before pressure cooking adds and locks in the flavor of the beef.
  • Cutting a large cut of meat before sauteing and cooking results in a better texture and even cooking.
  • If you want crispy edges, spread the beef on a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes for more texture.
  • If you don't use the whole can of chipotle peppers, which you probably will not, you can freeze the rest of them for your next batch of shredded beef or another dish.
  • Always read the instruction manual that comes with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and follow all safety guidelines.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.8g | Protein: 36.4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6.1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 364mg | Potassium: 395mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 1.1g | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 5mg

Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

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    Red Chile Pork Tamales
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    15 Instant Pot Mexican Recipes
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    Easy Chilaquiles Rojas

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Comments

  1. Colette says

    January 18, 2021 at 6:31 am

    5 stars
    I just bought an instant pot because I’ve heard lots of good things about them, so I’m always on the lookout for an instant pot recipe. This shredded beef recipe is great because I love shredded Mexican beef. So delicious 😋

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 18, 2021 at 4:48 pm

      Colette, you are going to love this beef made in the instant pot! It's such a great appliance to have.

      Reply
  2. Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady says

    January 17, 2021 at 2:35 pm

    5 stars
    I've yet to get on the Insta Pot trend, partly due to the fact that my kitchen has limited storage space. Your shredded beef looks so good though!Perfect for taco night!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 18, 2021 at 1:55 am

      Cindy, I was the same way and when I finally gave in I couldn't believe what I was missing. And yes, taco night, burrito night, chimichanga night...there are so many good things you can make with this.

      Reply
  3. Alyssa Hixenbaugh says

    January 17, 2021 at 2:12 pm

    5 stars
    I love shredded beef! This recipe looks so flavorful and delicious!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 18, 2021 at 1:54 am

      I love shredded beef too! I hope you get a chance to try it.

      Reply
  4. Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says

    January 17, 2021 at 12:32 pm

    5 stars
    I haven't used my pressure cooker in ages; my mom uses to make beef in it and I always loved it. I have to remember the taste of it, thanks for your idea!:)

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 18, 2021 at 1:53 am

      Yes, dust that thing off and make some beef!!

      Reply
  5. Sabine says

    January 16, 2021 at 9:10 pm

    5 stars
    This beef looks so delicious. The addition of so many spices, aromatics and the chipotle peppers, this recipe can only be a winner. And yes, me too, I love Mexican food 🙂

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 16, 2021 at 9:34 pm

      Thanks, Sabine! If you love Mexican food this recipe is for you!!

      Reply
  6. Sue says

    January 16, 2021 at 7:49 pm

    5 stars
    This shredded beef looks so good and I love that it can be made in the Instant Pot!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 16, 2021 at 9:35 pm

      The Instant Pot makes this beef so easy!!!

      Reply
  7. Leah says

    January 16, 2021 at 7:19 pm

    You know I just love those instant pot recipes! I’ve never thought to add canned chipotle peppers before! Genius. I’ll for sure need to try this recipe out.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      January 16, 2021 at 9:36 pm

      I just started using canned chipotles in my recipes and they are such a game-changer. Just be careful, they can add quite a kick😆!

      Reply
5 from 16 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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Hi, I'm Emily! I'm excited to share my passions, experiments, and fun with you. I love to cook, bake, create recipes, mix cocktails and try new things!

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