Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chipotle Beef Barbacoa is a tender, flavorful Mexican-style shredded beef slow-cooked with bold spices, garlic, lime, and smoky chipotle peppers. Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or sandwiches, this recipe offers restaurant-quality results at home with minimal effort. Its rich, spicy profile and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a crowd-pleasing favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

beef chuck roastgarlic clovesonionchipotle peppers in adobo sauceapple cider vinegarlime juiceground cuminoregano ground clovesbay leavesbeef brothsaltblack pepperolive oil

directions

Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks and season with salt and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned. Transfer to a slow cooker.

In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, vinegar, lime juice, cumin, oregano, cloves, and beef broth. Blend until smooth.

Pour the blended sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Add bay leaves.

Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

Remove the bay leaves, shred the beef with two forks, and mix it well into the sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)Total time: up to 10 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy depth of flavor.

Use brisket or beef short ribs instead of chuck for variety.

Swap chipotles for smoked paprika if you want less heat.

Serve with pickled red onions and crumbled queso fresco for extra flair.

storage/reheating

Store Chipotle Beef Barbacoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for barbacoa?

Beef chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked.

Is barbacoa spicy?

It has a moderate heat level, mainly from chipotle peppers. You can adjust by using fewer peppers.

Can I make it in the oven?

Yes, cook covered at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours until tender.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely—barbacoa tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Can I use a pressure cooker?

Yes, cook on high pressure for about 60-70 minutes with a natural release.

Can I use pork or chicken instead?

Yes, this recipe works well with pork shoulder or boneless chicken thighs.

What can I serve it with?

Tacos, burrito bowls, rice, beans, or even baked potatoes.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your chipotle peppers and broth are gluten-free.

Can I make it less smoky?

Use fewer chipotles or swap for milder chili varieties.

Can I cook it without searing?

Searing adds flavor, but you can skip it for convenience.

Conclusion

Chipotle Beef Barbacoa is a rich, smoky, and versatile dish that transforms simple beef into a flavorful masterpiece. Whether slow-cooked for a cozy dinner or made ahead for meal prep, it offers bold taste with minimal fuss. Add it to your rotation, and enjoy delicious, tender beef in countless ways.