Chipotle Barbacoa

This Chipotle-style barbacoa delivers all the bold, smoky flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant dish. Slow-cooked beef simmers in a savory, spiced sauce until it becomes irresistibly tender and perfect for tacos, burritos, and more.

The rich combination of chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, and cumin creates a robust base, while the long cooking time ensures the meat absorbs every layer of flavor. A dash of lime juice and dried oregano bring the perfect balance.

Whether served in a taco or piled onto nachos, this homemade barbacoa is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing option that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico.

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Chipotle Barbacoa Ingredients

The heart of Chipotle Barbacoa lies in tender beef, where cuts like chuck or brisket melt into a smoky, savory sauce. The rich, marbled beef absorbs bold flavors, creating a satisfying depth of taste.

Chipotle peppers and adobo sauce bring a smoky heat that defines the dish, while apple cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness, balancing the richness. Aromatic garlic and onion build the foundation, infusing each bite with warmth.

Cumin, oregano, and cloves weave in layers of spice, complementing the meat’s savory essence. Lime juice offers a refreshing burst, tying together the complexity of the ingredients.

Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe Tips

1. Browning the Meat is Essential: While it’s tempting to skip this step, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker significantly enhances the flavor. The caramelized exterior locks in the juices and adds a deep, rich taste to the dish that you simply can’t get by skipping this crucial step.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: If you love heat, consider adding an extra chipotle pepper or two, or use some of the adobo sauce for a spicier kick. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, scrape out the seeds of the chipotle peppers before blending. This will give you the smoky flavor without too much heat.
3. Let it Cook Low and Slow: Patience is key for the perfect barbacoa. Slow cooking on low heat for 8-10 hours ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. Avoid cooking on high to prevent the meat from becoming tough and dry, as slow cooking is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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What to Serve with Chipotle Barbacoa

1. Fresh Corn Tortillas: Serve the barbacoa with warm, freshly made corn tortillas. The soft texture and subtle flavor of the tortillas perfectly complement the smoky, savory beef. You can create soft tacos filled with barbacoa, topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice: A refreshing side like cilantro lime rice is an ideal pairing for this rich and flavorful dish. The zesty lime and bright cilantro cut through the richness of the barbacoa, balancing the flavors and adding a satisfying texture. It also helps soak up the delicious sauce from the meat.
3. Grilled Vegetables or Roasted Corn: For a hearty, vegetable-packed side, try serving your barbacoa with grilled veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Roasted corn on the cob also pairs wonderfully, adding a sweet, smoky flavor that complements the tender barbacoa.

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Chipotle Barbacoa FAQ

1. Can I make Chipotle Barbacoa in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the barbacoa in the oven. Simply place the browned meat and sauce in a Dutch oven, cover it, and cook at 325°F for 3-4 hours or until the meat is tender and shreds easily.

2. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling, you can also use brisket, beef shoulder, or any well-marbled roast. The slow cooking process helps all these cuts become tender and flavorful.

3. How long can I store leftover Chipotle Barbacoa?
Leftover barbacoa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well, lasting up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it with some of the cooking juices to keep the meat moist when reheating.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavors improve if the barbacoa is made a day ahead. Allow it to cool, then refrigerate. Reheat on low in the slow cooker or on the stove, adding a little broth to keep it moist.

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Chipotle Barbacoa

This Chipotle barbacoa recipe features beef that is slow-cooked in a rich, smoky sauce, allowing the meat to become exceptionally tender. It offers an authentic and flavorful alternative to the restaurant favorite, perfect for a variety of Mexican dishes such as burritos, tacos, or nachos.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course meat recipe

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 pounds of beef roast such as chuck, brisket, or beef shoulder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 2 canned chipotle peppers
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

 

• Begin by cutting the beef into 4-inch pieces. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, then add the meat to the pan in a single layer. You may need to work in batches. Cook the beef for about 4 minutes on each side, until it is deeply browned.
• Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion for 2-4 minutes until softened, then add the onion to the slow cooker with the beef.
• In a blender, combine the apple cider vinegar, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, beef broth, lime juice, cumin, oregano, ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Blend the ingredients until smooth.
• Pour the blended sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves, then stir to ensure the ingredients are evenly combined.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Once cooked, shred the meat using two forks and serve immediately.

Notes

Any marbled beef roast will work well in this recipe, including cuts such as chuck, rump roast, brisket, or beef shoulder.
Adjust the level of heat to your preference by varying the number of chipotle peppers. For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the peppers, or use just one chipotle.
For the most flavor, it is recommended to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker. However, if you are short on time, you can skip this step and directly place the raw meat into the pot with the sauce.

Keyword Chipotle Barbacoa