Living Sweet Moments

Delicious and easy recipes from scratch

  • About
    • About Me
    • Honors And Mentions
  • Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Breakfast/Brunch
    • Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Appetizers
    • Breads
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Entrees
      • Meats
      • Pasta
      • Poultry
      • Seafood
      • Vegetarian
      • Stuffed Eggplant Recipes
    • Desserts
      • Brownies/Bars
      • Fudge
      • Mousses
      • Best Cake Recipes
      • Cookies
      • Cupcakes
      • Frozen
      • Donuts/Quick Breads
    • Spreads
    • Venezuelan Recipes
    • Jewish
    • Holidays
      • Valentine’s Day
      • Halloween
      • Christmas
  • Recipe Index
  • Daily Living
    • Parenting
    • Household Tips
    • Money Saving Tips
    • DIY Projects
    • Random Thoughts
  • Entertainment
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrities I’ve Interviewed
    • Entertainment News
  • Travel
  • Contact Me
You are here: Home / Recipes / Venezuelan Shredded Beef – Made In The Instant Pot

Venezuelan Shredded Beef – Made In The Instant Pot

March 10, 2016 by Tiffany 21 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

This post contains affiliate links. I received a complimentary Instant Pot to facilitate my review. However, all opinions are 100% mine and were not influenced in any way.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

Venezuelan Shredded Beef

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef AKA Carne Mechada is delicious, easy to make, and loved by all the family (including picky kids). It’s a dish I grew up eating and it holds a special place in my heart. If you’ve ever tried Cuban Ropa Vieja, then you’ll definitely love this one.

Making Venezuelan Shredded Beef usually takes a few hours, since you first have to cook the meat, shred and then make the sauce. Cooking the meat takes about 1-2 hours depending on the cut you choose. That’s why it’s impossible to cook this at the last minute. Until I discovered the magic wonders of pressure cooking.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

Serve this Venezuelan Shredded Beef with white rice, black beans, and fried plantain slices. That’s what we call “Pabellon Criollo” a typical dish we used to eat every week. My personal preference is to eat the with just rice or inside an Arepa or empanada! Yum. The possibilities are endless.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

Now, I am going to show you how to make this dish using this amazing appliance. The Instant Pot is my new favorite machine in the kitchen, it replaces my slow cooker, rice cooker, stove, yogurt maker, etc. I made this entire meal using ONE POT.

No need to cook the beef in a pot, then frying it in a skillet. With this method, you’ll wash fewer dishes, spend less time in the kitchen, and create a meal with intense flavor and texture.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

With the Instant Pot, you won’t get the mushy and muddled flavors of the slow cooker. When I first heard of this appliance, I thought.. “well another thing that will occupy space in my kitchen and how many times am I going to use it?

Then my blogging buddies were raving about it, so I wrote to the company and they were happy to send me one so I can give my honest opinion about the product.

I can now sincerely say that I am a huge fan. The Instant Pot has been in my house for a week and I’ve made more meals that I can imagine.

It’s easy to use and easy to clean. I have now given away my crock pot and I can’t wait to share all my recipes with you. PS: It makes the most delicious cheesecakes ever!

So, put on your apron and let’s start cooking this Venezuelan Shredded Beef using the Instant Pot.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

I first season my meat with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. I slice it in 3-4 pieces and add it inside the Instant Pot. I also added 4 cups of beef (or chicken) stock and chopped the onions. Then I close the lid and pressure cook it for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes I let the pressure out and open the lid. The meat will be cooked, juicy and super tender.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

I remove the liquid from the pot and save it to use for the sauce. I also remove the beef and shred it using 2 forks. The meat is so tender that it takes less than 3 minutes to shred it all.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

Meanwhile, I press the saute button on the IP and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

Now I throw in my sliced tomatoes, onions, and peppers. And saute until softened.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

When the veggies have softened, I add the shredded beef.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

I everything together and add a 1 – 1 1/2 cups of the previously used stock, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1/4 cup of ketchup. We mix and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 

THAT’S IT… see! so easy! Made in ONE POT. Now I can have my Venezuelan Shredded Beef every week without having it plan hours in advance.

So.. who’s bringing the arepas??

I hope you can try this delicious Venezuelan Shredded Beef at home. If you do, please upload a pic on Instagram and tag me @Livingsweetmoments or use the hashtag #LivingSweet. I promise to repost it.

4.16 from 19 votes
This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea! 
Print
Venezuelan Shredded Beef - Made In The Instant Pot
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 
This Venezuelan Shredded Beef is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea!
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Venezuelan
Servings: 4 -5 servings
Calories: 430 kcal
Author: Tiffany Bendayan
Ingredients
  • 2 Lbs Flank or Skirt Steak cut into 4 pieces
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 Onions one chopped 4 wedges and the other one sliced
  • 1 Red Pepper sliced
  • 3 Tomatoes sliced
  • 4 cups Beef or chicken Stock
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • Salt + Pepper to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
  1. Season beef with salt, pepper and minced garlic
  2. Chop 1 onion in 4 big wedges
  3. Place in the beef pressure cooker with the 4 wedges of onion and the stock
  4. Pressure cook for 20 minutes
  5. Release the pressure and open the lid
  6. Remove the beef and SAVE 2 cups of stock in another container
  7. With 2 forks, shred the beef. Beef should be tender enough to so easily. If not, cook for another 10 minutes
  8. Press the saute button of the Instant pot. Add the olive oil
  9. When the machine beeps, add the sliced onion, pepper and tomatoes. Cook until tender
  10. Add the shredded beef back in the pot and mix
  11. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of the saved stock, the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, ketchup and cumin. Mix
  12. If sauce seems to dry, add a tad more of stock
  13. Season with salt and pepper
  14. Serve!
Nutrition Facts
Venezuelan Shredded Beef - Made In The Instant Pot
Amount Per Serving
Calories 430 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Cholesterol 136mg45%
Sodium 797mg35%
Potassium 1481mg42%
Carbohydrates 15g5%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 8g9%
Protein 54g108%
Vitamin A 1070IU21%
Vitamin C 44.4mg54%
Calcium 90mg9%
Iron 5.1mg28%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This Venezuelan Shredded Beef (carne mechada) is ready in no time using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. The perfect quick weeknight dinner idea!

Filed Under: Entrees, Instant Pot Recipes, Meats, Recipes, Venezuelan Recipes Tagged With: carne mechada, easy recipes, instant pot recipes, latin recipes, pabellon criollo, pressure cooking recipes, quick dinner recipes, shredded beef, venezuelan pabellon criollo, venezuelan shredded beef

« Keep Your Kitty Happy And Healthy With Purina
Easter Dulce de Leche Cookie Cups »

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

Get More Updates!

Sign up to get exclusive updates & tips!

Privacy Policy

Comments

  1. DDJ says

    January 26, 2017 at 11:50 am

    Do you keep or discard the onion wedges? Sorry, but I am cooking-ignorant and need very specific directions. ?

    Reply
    • Tiffany says

      January 26, 2017 at 11:53 am

      I do DDJ. I use them to flavor the broth. Then I toss them!

      Reply
  2. Sidney` says

    March 29, 2017 at 5:09 pm

    5 stars
    This was terrific! I did need the extra 10 minutes to be able to pull the steak apart, but it was delicious. I strained and froze the remaining broth for future use.

    Reply
    • Tiffany says

      March 29, 2017 at 6:30 pm

      Awesome Sidney! Thanks so much for your feedback. Glad you liked it!

      Reply
  3. James says

    May 12, 2018 at 10:50 pm

    1 star
    Terrible! Worst recipe I have ever cooked on the Instant pot. A waste of ingredients.

    Reply
    • Tiffany says

      May 14, 2018 at 8:16 am

      What was wrong with the recipe James? Can you elaborate more?

      Reply
      • Brittany says

        July 25, 2018 at 7:12 pm

        3 stars
        I suspect it’s because the directions don’t say to remove all of the liquid when you’re saving 2 cups. I ended up accidentally boiling the veggies instead of sauteeing because my husband and I were cooking together and looking only at the step-by-step directions. The step-by-step directions do not tell you to discard the rest of the liquid, so we were confused . . . but it’s our first time using the Instant Pot and followed the directions exactly in case there was something we didn’t know. 2 onions, 1 bell pepper, and 3 tomatoes gone . . .

        The meat is great and we’re just going to finish the recipe without the veggies, but it is a bit disappointing.

        New recipe and new device . . . Directions need to be VERY exact.

        Reply
        • Tiffany says

          July 25, 2018 at 10:30 pm

          OH Brittany, I am so sorry that happened to you. I can imagine how overwhelming using the IP for the first time can be that’s why I put the pictures with the steps. I recommend reading that completely before scrolling down to the recipe card.
          If you see the pictures on the post there’s a text on the top the place where the meat is shredded it says “I remove the liquid from the pot and save it to use for the sauce. I also remove the beef and shred it using 2 forks. The meat is so tender that it takes less than 3 minutes to shred it all”

          If you have any other questions please let me know.

          Reply
  4. Jimmy says

    June 25, 2018 at 2:13 pm

    Currently living in South America and discovered this dish at a few Restaurants, the owners Venezualan. After asking for the recipe and being told it’s a secret. I am now smiling with delight. I can only recommend this dish with two thumbs up. Delicious.

    Reply
    • Tiffany says

      June 25, 2018 at 4:36 pm

      hahaha Jimmy! the secret is out 😉 Glad you liked the recipe.

      Reply
  5. Nieves says

    October 11, 2018 at 4:11 pm

    5 stars
    I just made the recipe, very well explained and the taste is so different in the instapot, delicious and everything was ready in 30 minutes !! Thanks

    Reply
    • Tiffany says

      October 11, 2018 at 4:19 pm

      you’re welcome Nieves! glad you liked it!

      Reply
  6. Eric Nadler says

    January 15, 2019 at 6:47 pm

    4 stars
    Does anyone know a good way to preheat the Instant Pot? That added 30 minutes to my prep time that I wasn’t expecting. Maybe you throw the beef stock in ahead of time and preheat it before adding the beef?

    Reply
    • Tiffany says

      January 16, 2019 at 9:31 am

      Hi Eric! just add warmer water next time. It’ll take less for the iP to come to pressure

      Reply
  7. Robin says

    February 16, 2019 at 11:18 am

    I haven’t made this yet but love carne mechada. Do you think I could use canned diced tomatoes in place of fresh? Also, do you discard the red peppers?

    Reply
    • Tiffany says

      February 16, 2019 at 11:39 am

      Yes! those would work just fine. I do not discard the red peppers.

      Reply
  8. Daniela Weisz says

    May 18, 2020 at 1:04 pm

    If I’d like to cut the recipe in half should any of the times change?

    Reply
    • Tiffany says

      May 18, 2020 at 1:38 pm

      Hi Daniela, no, unfortunately, time will be the same since the beef needs to tenderize in the pressure cooker

      Reply
  9. Kendra says

    July 1, 2020 at 1:56 am

    This looks amazing! Will try it tomorrow. If I’m doing 4lb of meat, can I just double all the ingredients? Also, should I cook it longer on the instapot

    Reply
    • Tiffany says

      July 1, 2020 at 3:36 pm

      Yes, you can double the ingredients! And there’s no need to add more time on the instant pot – it will just take longer to come to pressure

      Reply
  10. Maria A Fugere says

    October 12, 2020 at 8:12 pm

    5 stars
    Excellente! I’m from Venezuela and I was looking for a way to make authentic Venezuelan Carne Mechada on my Insta Pot., This is it.! My family LOVED IT! I did some minor add ons. I added 1 beef bulleon cube (un cubito) and 1 table spoon of white vinegar,. that was my mom’s secret with her Carne Mechada. Gracias! <3

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow Me:

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Search This Blog

Categories

Popular Recipes

This delicious Kasha Varnishkes recipe is super easy to make and will definitely make your bubbe proud. The perfect side dish to any Jewish meal or Holiday.

Easy Kasha Varnishkes Recipe

Beer Battered French Fries Recipe

This delicious Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal cooks overnight. It's vegan, healthy and full of flavor. Wake up to a hot bowl of apple pie oatmeal full of spice.

Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal

Only 4 ingredients needed to make this yummy Rhubarb Strawberry Compote. Perfect for spreading on toast in the morning or as a special topping for ice cream

Delicious Rhubarb Strawberry Compote

Eggnog Flan Recipe (Quesillo De Ponche De Crema)

More yummy Recipes..

LSM Cooking Channel

Newsletter

Subscribe for email updates!

Privacy Policy
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
my foodgawker gallery
Living Sweet Moments

Welcome!

Hello! I am Tiffany, the blogger, cook and photographer of Living Sweet Moments.
I a married and have 2 little girls. We currently live in Miami, Fl
I spend my days cooking and baking delicious recipes that you will surely love. So sit back and enjoy! Read More…

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

More From the Blog

These amazing keto-friendly gluten-free Almond Flour bagels are super easy to make and don't require any proofing. Perfect for breakfast and snacks. They are also great for Passover.
For an easy and quick dinner, these delicious teriyaki salmon bowls are topped with spicy mayo and served with warm rice and veggies
Get dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less with this delicious Garlic Butter Skillet Chicken. Easy to make and family friendly.
Take your burger game to a whole new level with homemade hamburger buns plus check out how to make the most delicious sauce on top
Perfect for breakfast or snacking, these delicate and soft Vanilla Tea Muffins are made with black tea giving it a beautiful & aromatic flavor
Delicious and hearty ! These easy falafel bowls are served with veggies, and make the perfect vegan quick lunch.
  • Home
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress