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Chipotle Barbacoa Copycat Recipe - Tender Slow-Roasted Beef

Make Chipotle's famous tender, flavorful barbacoa at home with this authentic copycat recipe. Perfect for tacos, salads, and burrito bowls!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 20
Calories: 479 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 4 Guijillo Chilies
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 10 allspice berries
  • 1/3 cup Mexican oregano
  • 12 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 chopped yellow onion
  • 1/3 cup cider vinegar
  • 8 pounds beef roast
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Toast chilies, cover with boiling water in a deep bowl and set aside for 20 minutes. Grind cumin, cloves, allspice, and oregano in a coffee grinder. Drain soaked chilies, puree Chillies in a blender, ground spices, thyme, garlic, onion, vinegar, and 1/2 cup of water. 
  2. Process mixture until it is smooth. Push mixture through a sieve, and season beef with salt and pepper. Rub paste all over the meat. Arrange in a bowl and allow the meat to marinate for four hours, refrigerated. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
  3. Add meat and marinade to the pan.
  4. Cover the pan with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil. Cook the beef 6 to 7 hours until meat is falling off the bone.

Notes

  •  
  • ⏰ TIMING IS KEY: Never rush the marinating or cooking process - proper timing ensures the signature tender texture
  • 🔥 HOT SHRED TIP: Shred meat while hot for finer, more delicate pieces that better absorb the flavorful juices
  • ❄️ STORAGE SMART: Store leftover meat in larger pieces rather than shredded to maintain moisture and prevent drying

Nutrition Information

Calories 479kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 36g (12%) Protein 38g (76%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Cholesterol 125mg (42%) Sodium 159mg (7%) Potassium 903mg (26%) Fiber 12g (48%) Sugar 0g (0%) Vitamin A 2995IU (60%) Vitamin C 34.9mg (39%) Calcium 430mg (43%) Iron 23.9mg (133%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 20Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 479

% Daily Value*

Calories 479kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 36g 12%
Protein 38g 76%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Cholesterol 125mg 42%
Sodium 159mg 7%
Potassium 903mg 19%
Fiber 12g 48%
Sugar 0g 0%
Vitamin A 2995IU 60%
Vitamin C 34.9mg 39%
Calcium 430mg 43%
Iron 23.9mg 133%

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