Hillbilly Tacos

Hillbilly Tacos are a delightful fusion of tender pulled beef and crunchy coleslaw, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for family dinners, backyard barbecues, or casual gatherings, these tacos stand out with their rich flavors and satisfying textures. The balance of savory beef and zesty slaw makes them irresistible. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them a go-to meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of pulled beef and fresh coleslaw creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Easy Preparation: With minimal effort, you can create a delicious meal that looks impressive on the table.
• Versatile Serving: Serve them at parties, family gatherings, or even as a weeknight dinner; they fit any occasion!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Hillbilly Tacos appeal to both adults and kids alike; it’s hard not to enjoy this tasty treat!
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the ingredients to taste.

Tools and Preparation

For making Hillbilly Tacos, having the right tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Whisk
• Forks or shredding claws
• Skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for cooking the beef low and slow, resulting in tender meat that’s easy to shred.
• Mixing bowls: Having both large and small bowls allows for efficient mixing of coleslaw and other ingredients without cross-contamination.
• Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth coleslaw dressing by thoroughly combining all ingredients.

Ingredients

Hillbilly Tacos combine tender pulled beef with fresh coleslaw in warm tortillas, topped with your favorite BBQ sauce for a delicious meal.

Ingredients:
– 4-6 pounds beef shoulder roast
– ¼ cup store bought or homemade beef rub
– 12 ounce can Dr Pepper (Coca Cola or root beer work too)
– 1 tablespoon hickory liquid smoke
– 2 (14 ounce) bags coleslaw mix
– ⅓ cup white sugar
– ¼ cup milk
– ½ cup mayonnaise
– ¼ cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
– 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated onion (or ½ teaspoon onion powder)
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– Corn or flour tortillas (enough for serving; you may need more for doubling up if using corn tortillas)
– 1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Hillbilly Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

• Rinse the beef shoulder under running water and pat it dry.
• Generously massage the beef rub onto every inch of the shoulder, ensuring it is evenly coated.
• Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if desired.
• Place it in the slow cooker. Add a can of Dr. Pepper around the sides of the beef and evenly distribute liquid smoke.
• Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until tender. Remove from slow cooker; discard leftover liquid if preferred (keep some warm if needed).
• Shred the beef using two forks or shredding claws, removing excess fat as you go.

Step 2: Make the Coleslaw

• In a large mixing bowl, add both bags of coleslaw mix.
• In another small bowl, whisk together white sugar, milk, mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, grated onion, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• Pour this mixture over the coleslaw mix. Stir well to combine.
• Let it sit for about an hour before serving if possible. Stir again before serving.

Step 3: Assemble Your Tacos

• Warm or char tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat.
• Place pulled beef on each tortilla.
• Top generously with coleslaw and drizzle with BBQ sauce according to taste.

Enjoy your flavorful Hillbilly Tacos! They’re sure to be a hit at your next meal!

How to Serve Hillbilly Tacos

Hillbilly Tacos are not just a meal; they are an experience! This delightful dish can be served in various ways to please your family and friends. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco night.

Classic Taco Style

• Use warm corn or flour tortillas for the main serving.
• Fill each tortilla with pulled beef, coleslaw, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.

Taco Bar

• Set up a taco bar with all the ingredients laid out.
• Let guests customize their tacos with extras like jalapeños, cheese, or additional sauces.

Mini Taco Bites

• Create mini versions using smaller tortillas.
• These bite-sized tacos make for perfect appetizers at gatherings.

Taco Salad

• Layer the pulled beef and coleslaw over a bed of lettuce.
• Serve with tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy texture.

BBQ Platter

• Serve Hillbilly Tacos alongside traditional BBQ sides.
• This adds variety and complements the flavors of the tacos well.

Breakfast Tacos

• Use leftover pulled beef in breakfast tacos.
• Add scrambled eggs and avocado for a delicious morning twist.

How to Perfect Hillbilly Tacos

Perfecting your Hillbilly Tacos is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

• Choose Quality Beef: Use a well-marbled beef shoulder roast for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Let It Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat for 8-10 hours will yield the best results for juicy, tender beef.
• Balance Your Slaw: Make sure your coleslaw dressing has the right balance of sweetness and acidity for an enhanced flavor profile.
• Warm Your Tortillas: Heating your tortillas adds warmth and flexibility, making them easier to fill without tearing.
• Experiment with Sauces: Don’t hesitate to try different BBQ sauces to find your favorite combination of flavors.
• Garnish Creatively: Fresh herbs or sliced green onions can add brightness and elevate presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Hillbilly Tacos

Pairing side dishes with Hillbilly Tacos can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this delicious dish perfectly.

1. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness.
2. Baked Beans: A classic barbecue side that provides a hearty contrast to the tacos.
3. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers a cool accompaniment to spicy flavors.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide an irresistible snack option.
5. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip is always a hit, adding richness to each bite of taco.
6. Coleslaw: For extra crunch, serve additional coleslaw as a side dish; it complements tacos beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hillbilly Tacos, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the beef: Cooking the beef shoulder for too long can make it dry instead of tender. Stick to the recommended 8-10 hours on low for perfect results.
• Using too little seasoning: Failing to properly season the beef will lead to bland tacos. Be generous with your beef rub and consider adding extra salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
• Skipping the coleslaw resting time: Not letting the coleslaw mixture sit can prevent flavors from melding. Aim for at least an hour to let the ingredients combine beautifully.
• Not warming tortillas: Serving cold tortillas can ruin your taco experience. Warm or char them in a skillet for added flavor and texture.
• Forgetting to drain excess liquid: Leaving excess liquid from cooking can make your tacos soggy. Ensure you discard leftover liquid after shredding the beef.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Hillbilly Tacos

• To freeze, place pulled beef and coleslaw in separate containers.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Hillbilly Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cook for a few minutes on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Hillbilly Tacos?

Hillbilly Tacos are a delightful combination of pulled beef, fresh coleslaw, and BBQ sauce wrapped in warm tortillas, making them a hearty meal.

Can I use different meats for Hillbilly Tacos?

Absolutely! While beef shoulder roast is traditional, you can substitute with chicken or pork if you prefer.

How do I customize my Hillbilly Tacos?

You can add various toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or cheese. Experiment with different BBQ sauces for unique flavors.

How spicy are Hillbilly Tacos?

The spice level is mild but can be adjusted by adding spicy BBQ sauce or toppings like hot sauce or peppers.

Can I make Hillbilly Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare both the pulled beef and coleslaw in advance. Just warm them up before serving.

Final Thoughts

Hillbilly Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With their tender beef and zesty coleslaw, these tacos offer a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite toppings!