Best Traeger Smoked Pulled Beef Tacos

If you’re looking for the ultimate beef taco experience, this Traeger Smoked Pulled Beef Tacos recipe is exactly what you need. Combining deep, smoky flavors with a Mexican-Texan twist, these tacos deliver the perfect balance of tenderness, spice, and rich flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to an unforgettable meal, this recipe guarantees satisfaction.

What Makes Traeger Smoked Pulled Beef Tacos Special?

This recipe takes inspiration from the Mississippi pot roast but with a Tex-Mex twist. The secret?

• Slow-smoked chuck roast for deep, rich flavors
• Bold fajita seasoning for a spicy kick
• Pickled jalapeño brine for a tangy balance

The Traeger smoker enhances the beef with unmatched depth, making these tacos irresistible compared to traditional slow-cooked versions.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Pulled Beef Taco Recipe

• Perfectly Smoky – The Traeger slow-smoking process ensures deep, rich flavors.
• Ultra-Tender Beef – Chuck roast cooked low and slow falls apart effortlessly.
• Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing – Great for tacos, quesadillas, nachos, or even Tex-Mex bowls.
• Easy Yet Impressive – Simple steps, but the result is a restaurant-quality dish.

Ingredients for the Best Traeger Smoked Pulled Beef Tacos

Beef & Seasonings:

• 3 lbs chuck roast (Preferably Prime or Wagyu for extra tenderness and juiciness)
• 3 tbsp fajita seasoning (or substitute with taco seasoning or any Texan spice blend)

Vegetables & Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup pickled jalapeño peppers, plus a splash of their brine

Liquids & Fats:

• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
• 1-2 tbsp beef tallow (or unsalted butter for a milder taste)

Taco Components:

• 12 tortillas (Corn-flour mix recommended for a soft yet sturdy texture)
• 12 oz Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese (Optional but highly recommended)

Garnishes:

• Chopped onions and cilantro
• Fresh lime wedges

How to Make the Best Traeger Smoked Pulled Beef Tacos (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat your Traeger smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. Generously coat the chuck roast with fajita seasoning on all sides.
3. Place the seasoned beef on the smoker and let it smoke for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-170°F (71-77°C).

2. Slow Cooking for Maximum Tenderness

1. In a Dutch oven or grill-safe pan, spread the sliced onions on the bottom.
2. Place the smoked beef on top of the onions.
3. Sprinkle ranch seasoning and drizzle the pickled jalapeño brine over the beef.
4. Add beef tallow (or butter) to enhance richness.
5. Increase the Traeger temperature to 275°F (135°C) and cover the pan, allowing the beef to cook for another 3-4 hours, or until it falls apart effortlessly.
6. (Optional) If you prefer to reduce the smoky flavor, transfer the beef to an oven at 275°F and continue slow-cooking there.

3. Assembling the Tacos

1. Shred the beef in its own juices to lock in the moisture and flavors.
2. On a hot Traeger grill or skillet, warm each tortilla until slightly crispy.
3. If using cheese, melt it onto the tortilla before adding the beef.
4. Stuff the tortilla generously with the pulled beef.
5. Garnish with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

How to Serve & Pair Smoked Pulled Beef Tacos

• Serve with a side of Mexican rice or charro beans.
• Pair with a fresh margarita or smoky mezcal cocktail.
• Add a spicy salsa roja or avocado crema for extra depth.

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

If you have extra smoked pulled beef, try these ideas:

• Quesadillas – Layer beef with cheese between tortillas and grill until crispy.
• Loaded Nachos – Top tortilla chips with beef, melted cheese, and jalapeños.
• Tex-Mex Fried Rice – Stir-fry beef with rice, eggs, and taco spices.
• Birria-Style Ramen – Add the shredded beef to ramen broth for a fusion twist.

Recipe Notes & Expert Tips

✔ Best Meat Choice: Opt for Prime or Wagyu chuck roast for maximum tenderness. ✔ Alternative Cooking Methods: Use a slow cooker for 8-10 hours if a smoker isn’t available. ✔ Storage: Store leftover beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 585 kcal
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fat: 33g

Final Thoughts: Try It & Share Your Experience!

These Traeger Smoked Pulled Beef Tacos are the epitome of Texas-Mexican fusion—bold, juicy, smoky, and full of irresistible flavors. Whether you make them for a weekend barbecue or a weeknight treat, they are sure to impress.

If you have any tweaks or personal touches, we’d love to hear how you made these tacos your own.

Tried this recipe? Share your thoughts below!

• Did you make any tweaks?
• What toppings did you add?
• Would you try this recipe again?