Traeger Smoked Pulled Beef Tacos

Traeger Smoked Pulled Beef Tacos are a mouthwatering fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and slow-smoked, pull-apart tender beef. This recipe takes a classic chuck roast and transforms it into a showstopping taco filling that’s bursting with smoky, fajita-inspired seasoning.

Ingredients for Smoked Pulled Beef Tacos

The star of the show is undoubtedly the beef. Look for a well-marbled chuck roast – this cut will become meltingly soft and flavorful when slow-cooked. You’ll also need beef fajita seasoning, sliced onions, ranch seasoning, and pickled jalapeños to build the rich, Tex-Mex profile.

How to Make Smoked Beef Tacos on a Traeger Grill

The key to this recipe is the two-step cooking process. First, the chuck roast is smoked for 2 hours on the Traeger grill, absorbing a wonderful wood-fired flavor. Then, it’s transferred to a Dutch oven with the remaining ingredients and slow-cooked until it practically falls apart.

1. Season the chuck roast generously with beef fajita seasoning and smoke it on the Traeger at 200°F for 2 hours.
2. Transfer the smoked roast to a Dutch oven, add the onions, ranch seasoning, jalapeños, and braising liquid, then cook at 275°F for 4-5 hours until fork-tender.
3. Shred the beef and let it soak up the flavorful braising juices.
4. Warm tortillas on the Traeger, then build your tacos with the pulled beef, pico de gallo, avocado, queso fresco, and fresh cilantro.

Making Tacos

For the best texture and flavor, you’ll want to warm the tortillas directly on the Traeger grates before assembling the tacos. This imparts a subtle smokiness and helps fortify the tortillas to hold up to the abundant fillings. You can also melt shredded cheese onto the tortillas first for an extra layer of indulgence.

Garnish for Pulled Beef Tacos

Keep the toppings simple to let the star of the show – the smoked, pulled beef – shine. Diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges are all you need. For a pop of color and acidity, pickled onions or spicy salsa would also be delicious.

What to Do with Leftover Smoked Pulled Beef

The possibilities for leftover smoked pulled beef are endless! Turn it into quesadillas, nachos, or even a quick ramen bowl. You can also freeze the extra beef in portions for easy weeknight meals down the line.

FAQs: Traeger Smoked Pulled Beef Tacos

What makes tacos spicy?

The key to spicing up these tacos is all about the toppings. Diced jalapeños, a spicy salsa, or a dash of hot sauce will bring the heat. You can also amp up the seasoning in the beef itself by adding a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder.

How do you make tacos gluten-free?

Swapping out flour tortillas for corn tortillas is the easiest way to make these tacos gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check that any other ingredients you’re using, like the seasoning blend, are also gluten-free.

What are good taco toppings?

In addition to the essential elements like the smoked beef, onions, cilantro, and lime, you can get creative with toppings like avocado, queso fresco, shredded cabbage, pickled onions, radish slices, and a drizzle of crema or hot sauce.

How long will leftover smoked pulled beef last?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the leftover smoked pulled beef will be kept for 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, the beef can be frozen for 2-3 months.

Can I make this in a slow cooker instead of a Traeger?

Absolutely! While the smoky Traeger element adds an extra layer of flavor, you can certainly adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply brown the seasoned chuck roast in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender.

Conclusion:

Traeger beef tacos are a testament to the power of low and slow cooking. By smoking the chuck roast and then braising it to perfection, you end up with a taco filling that’s unbelievably juicy, tender, and packed with deep, complex flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy and delicious weeknight meal, these Tex-Mex-inspired tacos are sure to become a new family favorite.