Description
This Braised Beef Barbacoa recipe delivers tender, flavorful shredded beef infused with smoky chipotle peppers and traditional Mexican spices. Slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory sauce, this dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or served over rice. With its deep, spicy, and tangy flavors, it brings authentic Mexican comfort food right to your table, ideal for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasonings
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Cooking Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
Spices and Chili
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Generously season the beef chuck chunks with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides until nicely browned, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Spices and Sauces: Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, ground cumin, dried oregano, and ground cloves. Cook for about 1 minute to combine the flavors.
- Braise the Beef: Return the seared beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the bay leaf if using. Bring everything to a simmer on the stovetop.
- Oven Cook: Cover the pot tightly with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Braise the beef for 3 to 3½ hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- Shred and Serve: Remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid, then return the shredded beef to the pot. Stir to coat the beef in the flavorful juices. Serve hot as tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice.
Notes
- Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours for similar tenderness and flavor.
- Instant Pot Option: Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes with a natural release to replicate the braising effect.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to match your preferred level of spiciness.
- For serving, garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or lime wedges to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Mexican
