Crispy Beer Braised Beef Tacos with Chipotle Honey and Bacon Jam

Braised Beef

1 tbsp ancho chili powder

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tbsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp dried oregano - Mexican oregano preferred

3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 3 pieces

¼ cup neutral oil

12 oz Mexican lager - Modelo, Corona or Pacifico

2 tsp orange zest

1 tsp lime zest

1 orange - half of the orange juiced, half of the orange sliced thin

1 lime - half of the lime juiced, half of the lime sliced thin

½ medium white onion, sliced thin

1 jalapeno, sliced thin

16-20 corn tortillas

6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup fresh cilantro, optional garnish

Chipotle Honey Sauce

1 (7oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

½ cup honey

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

2 tsp garlic powder

juice of 1 lime

Bacon Jam

½ lb bacon, diced

1 medium white onion, chopped fine

½ tsp ancho chili powder

⅓ cup brown sugar

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Braised Beef

Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, combine the spices (salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, chili powder and brown sugar). Rub the spice mixture over all surfaces of the beef pieces.

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides, about 2 minutes per side until nicely browned. Lower heat to medium.

Pour the beer, orange and lime juice over the beef to deglaze the bottom of the pot. Top evenly with orange and lime zest, onion slices, jalapeno slices, orange and lime slices.

Cover the Dutch oven with a lid. Place Dutch oven in the oven for 3 Hours until the beef is tender and falls apart easily. Remove the orange and lime peels with tongs (don't worry if you don't get them all) then shred the beef with 2 forks.

Taco assembly: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place corn tortillas on 2 baking sheets (or however many you need to fit them all). Place tortillas in the oven for 3 minutes just to heat them up. Remove from the oven, then add the toppings. Place a handful of cheese on 1/2 of the tortilla then top with a scoop of shredded beef and bacon jam. Finish with 1 more layer of cheese then fold the tortillas in half (if your tortillas won't stay shut, place a baking sheet over top while baking). Bake the tacos for 8 minutes or when golden and crisp. Serve with chipotle honey sauce and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!

Chipotle Honey Sauce

While the beef is braising, make the chipotle honey sauce and bacon jam: Add all chipotle honey sauce ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. That's it!

Bacon Jam

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until browned but not quite crisp. Remove using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Set aside.

Add the onion to the skillet and cook in the bacon fat until translucent and soft, about 8 minutes, stirring often. Transfer the bacon back to the skillet then add the chili powder, brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well combined then let simmer over medium heat for 15 Minutes or when the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from the heat and let cool in a bowl while the beef is braising.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 2 tacos

Servings 0

Amount Per Serving
Calories 726Calories from Fat 315

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 148mg50%
Sodium 1081mg46%
Potassium 975mg28%
Total Carbohydrate 54g18%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 26g
Protein 50g100%

Vitamin A 10%
Vitamin C 19%
Calcium 24%
Iron 29%
Vitamin D 3%
Vitamin E 17%
Vitamin K 14%
Thiamin 25%
Riboflavin 38%
Niacin 68%
Vitamin B6 100%
Folate 7%
Vitamin B12 175%
Phosphorus 99%
Magnesium 23%
Zinc 102%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Crispy Beer Braised Beef Tacos with Chipotle Honey and Bacon Jam