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Chipotle

Barbacoa Recipe

Master authentic Chipotle Barbacoa at home with this easy recipe! Juicy beef slow-cooked with smoky chipotles, garlic, and spices until fork-tender. Perfect for tacos, burritos, and meal prep - better than takeout and ready with minimal effort.

Prep

30 mins

Cook

8 hours

Serve

Kcal

310

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1.5 kg beef chuck roast (or beef brisket)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons vegetable oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60 ml apple cider vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 garlic cloves, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 teaspoons salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon ground cloves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250 ml beef broth</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 bay leaves</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> First, trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into 5-6cm chunks. This will help the meat cook more evenly and absorb the flavors better.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the beef chunks on all sides until they develop a nice brown crust, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the seared meat to a plate and set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> While the meat is searing, prepare the sauce. In a blender, combine the apple cider vinegar, lime juice, chipotle peppers with their adobo sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and ground cloves. Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Return the seared meat to the pot. Pour the blended chipotle sauce over the meat, then add the beef broth and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine, ensuring all the meat is coated in the liquid.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook slowly for 3-4 hours, until the meat is incredibly tender and falls apart easily when pressed with a fork. Check occasionally and add a splash of water if the liquid level gets too low.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Once the meat is tender, remove the bay leaves and discard them. Using two forks, shred the beef directly in the cooking liquid, allowing the meat to absorb all those beautiful flavors. Continue cooking uncovered for another 15-20 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly and intensify the flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The barbacoa should be juicy with a balance of spicy, tangy, and rich flavors. Serve warm in tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls with your favorite toppings like rice, beans, fresh coriander, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Barbacoa Recipe

What is the best cut of beef for making beef barbacoa?

Beef chuck roast and beef brisket are ideal cuts for barbacoa as they contain enough fat to become tender and flavourful during slow cooking. These tough cuts break down beautifully over time, absorbing all the spices while maintaining a moist, shreddable texture.

How can I adjust the spice level in beef barbacoa?

You can easily control the heat by adjusting the number of chipotle peppers. For milder barbacoa, use just 1-2 peppers instead of 4, or scrape out the seeds. For extra spicy, add an additional pepper or include some of the adobo sauce from the can.

Can I make beef barbacoa in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, this recipe adapts perfectly to kitchen gadgets. For slow cookers, follow steps 1-3, then cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours. For Instant Pot, sear using the sauté function, add all ingredients, then pressure cook for 60 minutes with a 15-minute natural release.

What are traditional ways to serve Mexican beef barbacoa?

Traditionally, barbacoa is served in warm corn tortillas as tacos, topped with diced white onion, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime. It's also delicious in burritos, quesadillas, tostadas or atop rice bowls with black beans, avocado, and salsa.

How long can I store leftover beef barbacoa?

Leftover barbacoa keeps wonderfully. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavours often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious when reheated gently with a splash of broth.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.

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  "recipeIngredient": [
    "1.5 kg beef chuck roast (or beef brisket)",
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    "60 ml apple cider vinegar",
    "60 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)",
    "4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce",
    "4 garlic cloves, minced",
    "2 tablespoons ground cumin",
    "1 tablespoon dried oregano",
    "2 teaspoons salt",
    "1 teaspoon black pepper",
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    "250 ml beef broth",
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Slow cook",
      "text": "Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook slowly for 3-4 hours, until the meat is incredibly tender and falls apart easily when pressed with a fork. Check occasionally and add a splash of water if the liquid level gets too low."
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    },
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      "@type": "HowToStep",
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      "author": "Miguel Fernandez",
      "datePublished": "2024-04-25",
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      "reviewRating": {
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    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Sophia Chen",
      "datePublished": "2024-04-18",
      "reviewBody": "The meat came out so tender and flavorful! I loved how the recipe breaks down each step clearly. Made amazing tacos with this barbacoa and had enough leftovers for lunch the next day. Will definitely make again!",
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      "datePublished": "2024-04-22",
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      "datePublished": "2024-04-15",
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Chipotle

Barbacoa Recipe

Master authentic Chipotle Barbacoa at home with this easy recipe! Juicy beef slow-cooked with smoky chipotles, garlic, and spices until fork-tender. Perfect for tacos, burritos, and meal prep - better than takeout and ready with minimal effort.

Prep

Cook

Serve

Kcal

Ingredients

Directions

What is the best cut of beef for making beef barbacoa?

How can I adjust the spice level in beef barbacoa?

Can I make beef barbacoa in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

What are traditional ways to serve Mexican beef barbacoa?

How long can I store leftover beef barbacoa?

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