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Easy Qdoba Beef Recipe

Qdoba Beef Recipe

Joe Williams
Before diving into the delicious world of Qdoba beef, let’s talk about perfect pairings. This shredded beef dish is incredibly versatile and can complement a wide range of sides. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • pan

Ingredients
  

Shredded Beef:

  • lbs boneless beef chuck trimmed of excess fat and cut into 4 pieces
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves halved
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano leaves
  • 2 tablespoons dried cilantro leaves
  • 1 beef bouillon cube optional, for extra richness
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth

Seasoning:

  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 8-oz can tomato sauce
  • 3 dashes hot pepper sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce enhances umami flavor

Instructions
 

  • Ready to create magic in the kitchen? Let’s go step by step.

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  • Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef chuck. Cut it into four pieces. This step is crucial for ensuring your beef is tender and doesn’t turn out greasy.

Step 2: Simmering the Beef

  • Next, place the beef in a large pot. Add 2 cups of water, the chopped onion, halved garlic cloves, oregano, cilantro, and the beef bouillon cube, if using. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2-3 hours. This slow cooking breaks down the collagen in the meat, yielding fork-tender magic.

Step 3: Shredding the Beef

  • Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred the beef. It should come apart easily if cooked correctly.

Step 4: Sauté the Seasoning

  • In a different pan, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute. You want it fragrant, but be watchful; burnt garlic can ruin the flavor!

Step 5: Mix the Seasoning

  • Into the same pan, stir in the cumin, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, beef broth, tomato sauce, hot pepper sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring it to a simmer. This mixture forms the flavor base for your shredded beef.

Step 6: Combine and Cook

  • Add the shredded beef back into the pan with the seasoning mix. Stir well, ensuring every strand of beef is covered. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, simmering on low heat to let the beef soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 7: Serve

  • Now that you’ve navigated making this delightful dish, serve it warm! Use it in tacos, burritos, or on top of nachos. The choice is yours, and the taste will be unforgettable.

Notes

Here are some handy suggestions to make your Qdoba beef experience even better:
  • Use a Slow Cooker: If you have one, this method requires minimal effort. Simply place the ingredients in the cooker and let it do the magic.
  • Don’t Rush: Allowing the beef to simmer slowly is key. It ensures tenderness and flavor development.
  • Make Ahead: This beef tastes even better the next day. Make it in batches and store.
  • Spice it Up: Adjust the hot pepper sauce to your liking. If you enjoy spice, don’t shy away from adding more!
  • Fresh Toppings: Serve with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or diced avocados for added flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 25gFat: 15gFiber: 2g
Keyword Qdoba Beef Recipe
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