Description
These beef cheek tacos are tender, rich, and bursting with flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection with bold spices, the beef cheeks shred beautifully and pair perfectly with fresh toppings and warm tortillas. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or entertaining with a gourmet twist.
Ingredients
2 lbs beef cheeks, trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp tomato paste
Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
Toppings: chopped onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, pickled red onions
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef cheeks on all sides, then set aside.
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In the same pot, sauté chopped onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, pepper, salt, and cinnamon. Cook for 30 seconds.
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Add tomato paste, orange juice, vinegar, and beef broth. Stir well.
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Return beef cheeks to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 3–3.5 hours, or until meat is fork-tender.
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Remove beef cheeks, shred with forks, and return meat to the sauce. Simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes.
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Warm tortillas and serve the shredded beef with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, marinate beef cheeks overnight in the spice mixture with orange juice.
Can also be made in a slow cooker (8 hours on low) or pressure cooker (1 hour on high).
Leftovers are excellent for burritos or quesadillas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 hours
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: beef cheek tacos, barbacoa tacos, slow-cooked tacos, Mexican beef cheeks, gourmet taco recipe