Shredded Beef Chimichangas

Okay, first off….a chimichanga is fried, a burrito normally has nothing done to it but stuffed with ingredients, an enchilada is baked, and it can be wet or dry….geeze, Mexican food is confusing. 🙂

DH requested a “beef mexican dish” for dinner, and this recipe from Pennies on a Platter fit the bill perfectly. Nikki has some great recipes, so check out her site!

Little did I know that I was about to encounter the best Mexican shredded beef I’ve ever had.

You heard me.

This beef is phenomenal. Even if you don’t make this into chimichangas, make the beef. Put it in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, on top of nachos, whatever. It’s amazing.

This was also my first time cooking with chipotle peppers in adobo. I know…I was a little late getting on that ship.

Delicious, flavorful, and quick thanks to the crockpot beef and mere seconds in the frying pan, this is a great meal! Enjoy!

Shredded Beef Chimichangas

(Pennies on a Platter)

6 chimichangas

4 – 6 Tbs olive oil, divided
2 lb boneless chuck roast
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup beef stock (or broth)
1 Tbs tomato paste
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1/2 large sweet onion, diced
3-5 cloves garlic, minced (depending on how much you love garlic)
flour tortillas
choice of toppings – lettuce, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc.

To make the shredded beef:

Combine the spices in a small bowl.  Rub into the beef, covering all the nooks and crannies and each side evenly.

In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil until shimmering.  Sear the meat on each side, using tongs to flip it.  Remove and place in the bottom of a large slow cooker.

With the skillet remaining over the heat, deglaze with the beef stock and scrape up any brown bits.  Whisk in the tomato paste and chipotle peppers.  Once sauce comes to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened and reduced.

Meanwhile, add the onion and garlic to the top of the beef in the slow cooker.  Carefully pour the sauce over top.  Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Once the meat is fork tender, remove and shred with two forks.   Pour a portion of the sauce, including the onions, over top of the meat and let soak to enhance flavor.

To make the Chimichangas:

Heat 3-4 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until shimmering.

While waiting for the oil to heat up, warm the tortillas in the microwave for 10 – 20 seconds.  Fill with a few tablespoons of shredded beef and about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.  Roll the tortilla into a burrito shape.

Once the oil is heated, place the burritos (2-3 at a time) into the skillet and brown on each side until golden.  Start with the seam side down first.

Place on paper towel lined plate to drain any excess oil.  Serve with desired toppings.

 

Tags: Beef, Crockpot, Mexican