How To Give Your Leftover Chuck Roast A Tex-Mex Twist

One of the best cuts of beef to use for pot roast, a chuck roast is packed with meaty flavor and, when slow-cooked properly, is so fall-apart tender that it will literally melt in your mouth. And while you'll probably eat up every last bite, what do you do when you happen to have leftovers? Personally, we love transforming leftovers into new and exciting meals, like using leftover chuck roast to make Asian-inspired dishes, or using leftover spaghetti in a breakfast frittata. In this case, we wanted to dive deeper into a different idea that you should try out the next time you find yourself with leftover chuck roast: turn it into tacos!

While tacos are forever an easy and delicious meal (especially for those busy weeknights), using leftovers for your star ingredient can make it even more convenient to throw together. The good thing about chuck roast is that it can be sliced, cubed, or shredded, making it the perfect vessel for you to serve it as you please. When reheating it, you can even season it to fit the theme of whatever tacos you're making — whether you're making a classic version or giving them a flavorful twist (like BBQ tacos)!

Since you're using leftovers, you'll want to consider how you're reheating them. Because a chuck roast can dry out in the refrigerator, reheating it with moisture will be key to making sure it doesn't come out tough and chewy.

To do this, you can slice the chuck if it's in chunks or take the shredded meat and place it in a baking dish. Pour a bit of the leftover juice over the meat or use a bit of beef stock if you need more liquid, and let it bake covered in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through — the exact time will depend on how much meat you're reheating.

Since you're using this meat for tacos, it's a good idea to consider adding some additional flavor so that your meat can truly be transformed into a Tex-Mex style. Adding spices like cumin, chili powder, or even some packaged taco seasoning is an easy way to get this done. You can also saute some onions to stir into the meat once it's heated up. When ready, pile it onto your tortilla of choice, along with your favorite toppings (some of our must-haves include fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes).