Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tacos are a simple and tasty dinner option that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Make these family favorites for an easy dinner any night of the week!
Our Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tacos only take a few minutes to brown the beef then simply dump in the remaining ingredients and done. You'll have tender, flavorful beef tacos with all your favorite toppings without having to babysit a pan on the stove top.
Who doesn't love a good beef taco? I've met a few people throughout my life that don't, but honestly, most people go crazy for these things. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of different taco varieties.
Growing up, we used ground beef every time we had tacos for dinner. Crunchy taco shells were also a favorite. Now that I have my own family, we change things up a bit.
A few weeks ago, we made Instant Pot chicken tacos, and they were a huge hit with our friends and family. After posting the recipe to our Facebook page, a reader asked if we had a similar beef taco recipe.
Luckily, I'd already started thinking about making this Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tacos recipe. Before sharing it, I wanted to try it a few times to make sure it was exactly as I'd imagined.
The meat had to be perfectly tender and juicy, because nobody likes dry, bland taco meat. Not to mention, it had to be super easy to shred.
The taco meat needed to appear as though it had slow cooked all day even though it was pressure cooked. Lucky for me, these Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tacos have turned out perfectly every single time. Here's how I make them!
How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tacos:
These shredded beef tacos are a cinch to prepare. The only downside is the cook time. It's a bit on the longer side, so it's a good idea to start this dish well before everyone gets hungry. Trust me, it's worth the wait!
- Start by cutting the beef into chunks about 1-2 inches in size. Trim any large pieces of fat off the meat. Any fat running through the meat is fine. It will impart flavor and dissolve as the beef cooks.
- After the meat is cut, place the pieces into a large bowl and mix with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss it to coat, and set aside.
- Next, set the Instant Pot on "Saute". Let it get hot, then add the vegetable oil. Canola or avocado oil will also work, but we prefer vegetable or canola for this recipe.
- After the vegetable oil is hot, add the onions. Give them a good stir for a minute or two, just long enough for them to soften. Then, add the beef and garlic.
- Stir the beef mixture until all sides of the meat have browned, then turn off the Instant Pot. Add the taco seasoning, beef broth, and tomatoes and green chiles.
- Close the lid and and set to sealing. Cook the beef for 40 using the Meat/Stew setting.
- If your pressure cooker doesn't have that setting, use manual pressure on high for the same amount of time.
- After the beef cooks for 40 minutes, allow the pressure cooker to complete a full natural release before removing the lid.
- Once the natural release is complete, open the lid and use two forks to shred the beef. Don't be alarmed at the amount of liquid in the Instant Pot. It's supposed to be there.
- Instant Pot shredded beef tacos are meant to mimic tacos you'd purchase from a street vendor. Those beef tacos are typically held in their juices until they're served.
- Serve the shredded beef in tortillas, taco shells, on chips, or alongside your favorite toppings!
Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tacos:
- The best cut of meat that I've found for these Instant Pot shredded beef tacos is a chuck pot roast. A chuck pot roast has just enough marbling which softens the meat as it cooks. The beef will be juicy, tender, and pull apart with ease. I've also used a beef tender roast, and it worked well.
- Don't skip the step about seasoning the meat. Salt helps break down the fibers in the meat making it easier to chew. Not to mention, the extra seasoning gives the meat a boost of flavor!
- Our recipe uses one package of taco seasoning. However, if you prefer a more robust flavor, use an additional package of seasoning. Just a word of caution, adding additional seasoning packets will add more sodium.
Other Taco Recipes to Try:
Recipe Card with Ingredient Amounts and Instructions
Suggested Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds chuck roast, cut into 1 to 2 inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil, canola, vegetable, etc.
- ½ cup white onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- Garnishes, tomatoes, sour cream, avocadoes, cheese, onions, etc.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine beef pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Set aside. (See recipe notes.)2 to 3 pounds chuck roast1 tablespoon garlic powder1 tablespoon onion powder1 teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Set the Instant Pot to "Saute," and allow to get hot. Add the oil. Then add the onions and stir for 1-2 minutes until soft.1 tablespoon cooking oil½ cup white onion
- Add the beef and garlic. Continue to stir until all sides of the beef are browned.2 garlic cloves
- Add the taco seasoning, beef broth, and tomatoes and green chiles (undrained). Close the lid and set to "Sealing." Choose the "Meat/Stew" option and set for 40 minutes. If your pressure cooker doesn't have a meat/stew button, choose manual/pressure cook on high for 40 minutes.1 ounce taco seasoning1 cup low-sodium beef broth10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chiles
- After the meat cooks for 40 minutes, allow the pressure cooker to complete a full pressure release. Next, remove the lid and use two forks to shred the beef.
- Serve the beef on tortillas, shells, or chips. Top with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, sour cream, or your other favorites.
- Reserve the juice from the Instant Pot for any leftover beef. Place remaining beef in juice and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Paula says
Directions say to add salt and pepper. How much pepper should I add?
Kimberly says
Hi Paula!
Thanks so much for asking. I see that the pepper isn't listed in the ingredients list, so I'll add it. 🙂 We usually go for a 1/4 of a teaspoon, or to your tastes. Thanks again. We hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Donna Campbell says
Hi,
I'm super excited to try this recipe but I have a 4.2# boneless chuck roast. What do you suggest to increase/modify the cooking time and ingredients? I'm trying to make tomorrow if possible. Thanks in advance.
John says
Good Morning Donna, that's a good question. I spoke with Kim and she suggested adjusting the cooking time to 80 minutes with an additional 10 minute natural release. In regards to the seasonings, since you have about twice as much beef, I would suggest doubling the seasoning amounts. However, I tend to enjoy spicier flavors. If you don't or if you have sodium restrictions, then I would only increase the seasonings by half (ex. 1.5 tablespoons of garlic powder instead of 1 tablespoon). Kim also stated you shouldn't need to increase the liquid amounts. Hopefully, we were able to answer your question. Kim and I wish you a lovely day 🙂
Sarah Sekhar says
This is the perfect shredded beef recipe! We made nachos with it, but it would be delicious in tacos, burritos or even enchiladas! So tasty and tender and juicy!
John says
Thank you, Sarah! Kim and I are glad you enjoyed the shredded beef. We appreciate you coming back comment and rating the recipe. Have a lovely weekend 🙂
Sarah Sekhar says
This is the perfect shredded beef recipe! We made nachos with it, but it would be delicious in tacos, burritos or even enchiladas! So tasty and tender and juicy!
Sarah Sekhar says
This is the perfect shredded beef recipe! We made nachos with it, but it would be delicious in tacos, burritos or even enchiladas! So tasty and tender and juicy!
Sarah Sekhar says
This is the perfect shredded beef recipe! We made nachos with it, but it would be delicious in tacos, burritos or even enchiladas! So tasty and tender and juicy!
Anne Lawton says
I can never get tired of tacos! Going to give this recipe a try for this week's Taco Tuesday!
John says
Thank you, Anne! Hope you enjoy them 🙂
Sara says
I know what I am making for dinner this week! I have been looking for great instant pot recipes. I love having dinner on the table in a flash!
John says
Thank you, Sara!
Lorie says
Oh my goodness. My hubby is gonna die when I make these tacos for him. Thanks for the recipe!!!
John says
Thank you, Lorie!
Anne Murphy says
Those sound so good! And I love making dishes like that in the pressure cooker. So easy...
John says
Thank you, Anne!
Julie says
My 3 year old is obsessed with tacos AND with our Instant Pot. He's going to love this recipe so much -- we have tacos once a week in the summer and I'm always searching for new recipes!
John says
Thank you, Julie!
Stacey says
I can't resist a taco, and these look so good, my family would devour these! Can't wait to try them!
John says
Thank you, Stacey!
Lorie says
Oh my goodness. My hubby is gonna die when I make these tacos for him. Thanks for the recipe!!!
Lorie says
Oh my goodness. My hubby is gonna die when I make these tacos for him. Thanks for the recipe!!!
Lorie says
Oh my goodness. My hubby is gonna die when I make these tacos for him. Thanks for the recipe!!!
Anne Murphy says
Those sound so good! And I love making dishes like that in the pressure cooker. So easy...
Anne Murphy says
Those sound so good! And I love making dishes like that in the pressure cooker. So easy...
Anne Murphy says
Those sound so good! And I love making dishes like that in the pressure cooker. So easy...
Stacey says
I can't resist a taco, and these look so good, my family would devour these! Can't wait to try them!
Stacey says
I can't resist a taco, and these look so good, my family would devour these! Can't wait to try them!
Stacey says
I can't resist a taco, and these look so good, my family would devour these! Can't wait to try them!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
YUM! These tacos look soo good! They will be perfect for my next summer get together!
John says
Thank you, Sam!
Andrea says
IThese tacos look absolutely mouthwatering! My family loves tacos and I bet they 'd love these 🙂 I've just bought an instant pot, so I will surely make these soon!
John says
Thank you, Andrea! Kim and I hope you and your family enjoy the tacos. Have an awesome Sunday 🙂
Sanna says
I love beef tacos and this one is a flavorful one using shredded beef. This is a simple,put together meal for a weeknight. Love it!
John says
Thank you, Sanna! We're glad you liked the post. Have a lovely Sunday 🙂
Leslie says
Love love LOVE green chiles! I always add them to Mexican dishes like tacos and enchiladas!
John says
Thank you, Leslie! Have a wonderful Sunday 🙂
Sanna says
I love beef tacos and this one is a flavorful one using shredded beef. This is a simple,put together meal for a weeknight. Love it!
Sanna says
I love beef tacos and this one is a flavorful one using shredded beef. This is a simple,put together meal for a weeknight. Love it!
Sanna says
I love beef tacos and this one is a flavorful one using shredded beef. This is a simple,put together meal for a weeknight. Love it!
Kitty says
Taco Tuesday can't come soon enough for these. My husband can't get enough of recipes like these and I love all the 'hands-off' time it has on it.
John says
Thank you, Kitty! Tex-Mex night is still one of our family favorites, so I understand. Have a lovely Saturday 🙂
Jenni says
What a great way to make tacos! The instant pot makes everything so much easier!
John says
Thank you, Jenni! Yes, it seems to have its uses when you're in a pinch. Have a lovely day 🙂
Jenni says
What a great way to make tacos! The instant pot makes everything so much easier!
Jenni says
What a great way to make tacos! The instant pot makes everything so much easier!
Jenni says
What a great way to make tacos! The instant pot makes everything so much easier!
Amanda Mason says
I love my instant pot so I'm definately going to be making these!! i typically use flank steak or iron steak when making tacos but I'll have to give chuck roast a try! Sounds like the perfect dinner recipe!! Can't wait to try these!!
John says
Thank you, Amanda! Kim and I started using roasts for shredded beef tacos because we don't care for the texture of flank or iron steak. Of that means using a slow cooker or instant pot, but we feel it's worth the effort. Have a lovely Wednesday 🙂
Amanda Mason says
I love my instant pot so I'm definately going to be making these!! i typically use flank steak or iron steak when making tacos but I'll have to give chuck roast a try! Sounds like the perfect dinner recipe!! Can't wait to try these!!
Amanda Mason says
I love my instant pot so I'm definately going to be making these!! i typically use flank steak or iron steak when making tacos but I'll have to give chuck roast a try! Sounds like the perfect dinner recipe!! Can't wait to try these!!
Amanda Mason says
I love my instant pot so I'm definately going to be making these!! i typically use flank steak or iron steak when making tacos but I'll have to give chuck roast a try! Sounds like the perfect dinner recipe!! Can't wait to try these!!
Jyothi (Jo) says
Tacos can never be boring, can it. Those beef tacos looks so so good
John says
Thank you, Jo! Tacos are such tasty diner options, have a lovely Tuesday 🙂
Jyothi (Jo) says
Tacos can never be boring, can it. Those beef tacos looks so so good
Jyothi (Jo) says
Tacos can never be boring, can it. Those beef tacos looks so so good
Jyothi (Jo) says
Tacos can never be boring, can it. Those beef tacos looks so so good
Gloria says
I have never tried a taco I did not like. These sound delicious. I have a regular pressure cooker, so I will give this recipe a try in that.
John says
Thank you, Gloria! I know what you mean, I'd eat tacos everyday if I could lol! Have an awesome Tuesday 🙂
Gloria says
I have never tried a taco I did not like. These sound delicious. I have a regular pressure cooker, so I will give this recipe a try in that.
Gloria says
I have never tried a taco I did not like. These sound delicious. I have a regular pressure cooker, so I will give this recipe a try in that.
Gloria says
I have never tried a taco I did not like. These sound delicious. I have a regular pressure cooker, so I will give this recipe a try in that.