Beef short rib tacos are a flavorful solution for busy weeknights, especially when life feels non-stop. I didn’t plan this recipe for Cinco de Mayo, though it fits the celebration perfectly. Honestly, it began with a craving and a packed May calendar—school events, late dinners, and a need for meals that cook themselves. These tacos are slow-cooked to tender perfection in a smoky chipotle sauce, making dinner feel special without extra effort.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to get food on the table, beef short rib tacos bring bold flavor and comfort with every bite.
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Beef Short Rib Tacos That Practically Make Themselves
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Slow-cooked beef short rib tacos with chipotle sauce, fresh toppings, and bold, smoky flavor. Easy to make in the slow cooker or oven.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2.5 lbs beef short ribs (about 6 to 7 pieces)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, smashed
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1 cup dark beer (like Negro Modelo)
1 cup beef stock
2 bay leaves
8 corn-flour tortilla shells
1 avocado, pitted and sliced
1/3 cup radishes, thinly sliced
1/3 cup pickled red onion
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
Instructions
1. Season short ribs generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and coriander.
2. Brown short ribs in olive oil over medium heat until all sides are deeply seared, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove ribs and set aside. Leave 2–3 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
4. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes until soft.
5. Blend onions, garlic, chipotle peppers, molasses, vinegar, beer, and stock until smooth.
6. Return short ribs to pot. Pour sauce over them and add bay leaves.
7. Cover and cook: 3 hours in oven at 275°F or 4 hours on high in a slow cooker.
8. Remove meat, shred, discard bones. Reserve sauce.
9. Toast tortillas and fill with shredded meat.
10. Top with avocado, pickled onion, radish, and cilantro. Serve with extra sauce.
Notes
If using oven, make sure your casserole or Dutch oven is tightly covered for even cooking.
The tacos are great made ahead—just reheat meat with sauce.
Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Comfort of Beef Short Rib Tacos
Why Short Ribs Make the Best Taco Filling
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the rich, tender texture of beef short ribs. Cut from the lower part of the ribcage, this meat is known for its marbling, which slowly breaks down as it cooks. When braised for hours, short ribs become fall-apart tender—perfect for tacos that need hearty, flavorful filling.
In this recipe, the short ribs are cooked in a smoky chipotle sauce with layers of flavor from molasses, dark beer, and garlic. The result is bold and savory, with just enough heat to make each bite exciting. This type of taco filling doesn’t need much else—it shines on its own.
Slow Cooker Magic for Hectic Days
The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it gives you a meal full of depth with very little hands-on time. After browning the meat to lock in flavor, you simply let it simmer for hours while you tackle your day. The beef becomes incredibly tender, soaking up every bit of that chipotle-spiced sauce.
Once done, the meat is easy to shred and serve whenever your family is ready to eat. It’s the kind of recipe that works with your schedule, not against it. Whether you’re managing a full day of activities or just want dinner without extra effort, beef short rib tacos are an easy win.
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Building the Perfect Beef Short Rib Taco
How to Assemble Like a Pro
After slow cooking, the short ribs are fork-tender and full of rich flavor. The next step is assembling tacos that let that savory beef take the spotlight. Lightly toast your tortillas to bring out their flavor and give them a little structure—this helps hold all the fillings without falling apart.
Add a generous spoonful of shredded meat to each tortilla, then drizzle on some of the reserved cooking sauce. The sauce should cling to the meat without soaking the tortilla. The result is juicy, flavorful, and ready for toppings that add contrast and texture.
What Toppings Work Best
The beauty of beef short rib tacos is in the balance. Creamy avocado slices help mellow the heat of the chipotle sauce. Pickled onions add a tangy bite, while radishes bring a satisfying crunch. Fresh cilantro ties it all together with a clean, herby finish.
You can keep it classic or make it your own with extras like cotija cheese, lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream. However you top them, beef short rib tacos deliver bold, comforting flavor in every bite.
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Conclusion
Beef short rib tacos aren’t just a meal—they’re a solution for busy days and a treat when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss. From their tender, slow-cooked filling to the fresh toppings and easy sides, these tacos check every box: rich flavor, simple prep, and happy eaters.
Whether you’re celebrating, meal-prepping, or just craving something bold and satisfying, beef short rib tacos bring the kind of deep flavor that feels like home cooking at its best. And once you try them, they just might become your new go-to for taco night.
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FAQs
Are beef short ribs good for tacos?
Yes, absolutely. Beef short ribs are ideal for tacos because they’re naturally rich and tender when slow-cooked. Their marbled texture breaks down over time, creating flavorful, juicy meat that shreds beautifully. When braised with spices and sauce, the meat soaks up every bit of flavor, making each taco bite hearty and satisfying.
What kind of meat is beef short rib?
Beef short ribs come from the lower section of the ribcage near the breastbone. This cut contains a balance of meat and fat, which makes it well-suited for slow cooking. When prepared properly, the result is deeply flavorful beef that’s perfect for tacos, stews, or noodle dishes.
What is a good side dish for short rib tacos?
Great side dishes include things that bring contrast. Cabbage slaw, citrus-marinated beans, roasted corn salad, or simple rice with fresh herbs all work well. These sides add brightness and texture without overpowering the rich flavor of the beef.
What is the difference between beef ribs and beef short ribs?
What is the difference between beef ribs and beef short ribs?
Beef ribs come from the rib section and tend to be longer and leaner. Short ribs are smaller, meatier, and contain more connective tissue. That extra marbling is what makes short ribs perfect for low-and-slow cooking, turning them into tender, flavorful meat that works especially well in tacos.