Beef Barbacoa (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)

User Reviews

4.9

28 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    3 hrs 45 mins

  • Total Time

    3 hrs 55 mins

  • Servings

    8 servings

  • Calories

    452 kcal

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Beef Barbacoa (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)

Chipotle Barbacoa is shredded beef that has been cooked in a spicy, smoky and rich tasting braising mixture. This melt-in-your-mouth tender Beef Barbacoa recipe can be made in the crock pot, Instant Pot, stove top and/or in the oven!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 3-4 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce Use 2 chipotle peppers if you don't like the dish too spicy, plus 2 teaspoons of the adobo sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 4 teaspoons cumin ground
  • 2 teaspoons oregano dried
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon cloves ground
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 - 4 lbs chuck roast
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • 2-3 bay leaf

Instructions

To Make the Braising Liquid

  1. Place the vinegar, lime juice, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt and cloves in a small food processor or blender. Puree on high speed until smooth.

The Beef

  1. Trim the extra fat from the meat and cut it into big chunks (about 2-2.5 inches pieces). Season the meat lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large heavy bottom pot or a Dutch oven over medium high heat, heat up the oil. Add the meat in batches and sear until golden brown.
  3. Return all the meat to the pot and add the spicy braising mix over it. Add the broth and the bay leaves. Mix well to combine. Cover the pot and turn the heat to low. Simmer for 3 1/2 to 4 1/4 hours or until the meat flakes easily; giving it a stir every 30 minutes during the cooking process.
  4. Turn off the heat and shred the meat with a couple of forks (it should be tender enough to flake easily).
  5. Before serving, let the shredded meat simmer over low heat for about 15 extra minutes.

Check the notes for instructions when cooking this recipe in the Slow Cooker. Instant Pot or Oven

Notes

  • Cooking times will vary depending on cooking methods.
  • SLOW COOKER/CROCK POT DIRECTIONS:
  • PRESSURE COOKER/INSTANT POT DIRECTIONS:
  • OVEN:
  • After searing the beef, place the meat in the crock pot. Pour in the braising liquid, broth and add the bay leaves. Cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours. 
  • Make the braising liquid as instructed above. Cut the beef into 2-inch chunks and season them with salt and pepper. Set the Instant Pot to saute and heat the oil. Brown the beef in batches to prevent steaming. Remove the seared beef from the instant pot and press cancel.
  • Add the broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck brown bits.
  • Return the beef to the pressure cooker, pour in the chipotle sauce (braising liquid) and bay leaves. Toss to combine.
  • Close the lid and seal the pot. Cook on high pressure for 65 minutes.
  • When the pressure cooking is done, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 - 8 minutes. Turn the valve to venting and release the remaining pressure.
  • Remove the beef, shred it and return it to the Instant Pot.
  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Place Dutch oven in the oven and bake for 3 1/2 to 4 1/4 hours, giving it a stir every 30 minutes during the cooking process.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 452kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 43g (86%) Fat 29g (45%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Cholesterol 156mg (52%) Sodium 273mg (11%) Potassium 814mg (17%) Vitamin A 55IU (1%) Vitamin C 3.7mg (4%) Calcium 60mg (6%) Iron 5.7mg (32%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 452 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 452kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 43g 86%
Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 156mg 52%
Sodium 273mg 11%
Potassium 814mg 17%
Vitamin A 55IU 1%
Vitamin C 3.7mg 4%
Calcium 60mg 6%
Iron 5.7mg 32%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.9

28 reviews
Excellent

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