If you’re craving tender, flavorful, and slightly spicy shredded beef, this Chipotle Beef Barbacoa is the perfect dish. Packed with smoky, tangy, and savory flavors, this slow-cooked beef is perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or even sandwiches. The combination of chipotle peppers, garlic, and a blend of spices creates an irresistible dish that melts in your mouth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make using a slow cooker or Instant Pot
- Full of deep, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors
- Perfect for meal prep and versatile in many dishes
- Freezes well for future meals
- Ideal for feeding a crowd
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef chuck roast
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Garlic
- Onion
- Beef broth
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lime juice
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Smoked paprika
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
- Cloves
- Olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the beef: Trim excess fat from the chuck roast and cut it into large chunks.
- Make the sauce: Blend chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and spices in a blender until smooth.
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the beef on all sides.
- Slow cook: Transfer the beef to a slow cooker, pour the sauce over it, and add bay leaves. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender.
- Shred the beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker, discard bay leaves, and shred using two forks.
- Mix with sauce: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, mix with the sauce, and let it absorb the flavors for a few minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy with tacos, burritos, bowls, or any dish of your choice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour (Instant Pot)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker) or 1 hour 15 minutes (Instant Pot)
Variations
- Spicier version: Add more chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne.
- Mild version: Reduce the amount of chipotle peppers and use mild chili powder.
- Different protein: Swap beef for pork or chicken.
- Oven method: Cook in a Dutch oven at 325°F for 3-4 hours.
- Keto-friendly: Use a sugar-free adobo sauce and serve with cauliflower rice or low-carb tortillas.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How spicy is Chipotle Beef Barbacoa?
The heat level depends on the amount of chipotle peppers used. Adjust to your preference.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, brisket or beef short ribs work well but may have different cooking times.
What can I serve with barbacoa?
Tacos, burrito bowls, rice, beans, or even nachos are great options.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, pressure cook on high for 60 minutes and do a natural release.
Do I need to sear the beef first?
Searing enhances flavor, but you can skip it if short on time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, barbacoa tastes even better after sitting for a day.
What can I use instead of chipotle peppers?
Smoked paprika and mild chili powder can substitute for a less spicy version.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes after shredding the beef.
Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours.
Is barbacoa gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially adobo sauce) are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Chipotle Beef Barbacoa is a rich, smoky, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying it with rice, this slow-cooked beef will quickly become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to store, reheat, and customize to your taste. Try it today and elevate your next meal!
Print
Chipotle Beef Barbacoa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chipotle Beef Barbacoa is packed with bold, smoky flavors and slow-cooked to perfection. The beef is braised in a rich sauce made with chipotle peppers, garlic, lime juice, and warm spices, creating juicy, pull-apart meat that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks)
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (plus 2 tbsp adobo sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 small onion, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce – In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, vinegar, lime juice, cumin, oregano, paprika, cloves, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Blend until smooth.
- Sear the beef – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the beef chunks for about 2 minutes per side until browned.
- Slow cook – Transfer the beef to a slow cooker and pour the blended sauce over it. Add beef broth, water, bay leaves, and chopped onion.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred and serve – Remove bay leaves, shred the beef with two forks, and mix it with the sauce. Serve in tacos, burritos, or bowls!
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the spices before blending.
- If using an Instant Pot, pressure cook on high for 60 minutes, then let it naturally release for 15 minutes.
- If using a stovetop, simmer in a Dutch oven on low heat for about 3-4 hours, covered.
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