chipotle beef barbacoa recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chipotle beef barbacoa recipe

This chipotle beef barbacoa recipe has been a staple in my household for years. I first discovered it while living in Texas, where the dish originated from the Spanish word ‘barbacoa,’ meaning ‘meat cooked in a pit.’

It’s a traditional Mexican recipe that has been adapted and modified over time to suit various tastes and preferences. I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether I’m hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe never fails to impress. My kids adore it, and I appreciate that it’s not only delicious but also relatively healthy.

The use of chipotle peppers adds a nice smoky heat that complements the beef perfectly. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and each time it’s a hit with my family and friends.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to customize to suit your taste preferences.

I’ve added different types of meat, spices, and even vegetables to make it my own. This recipe is a true testament to the beauty of home cooking – it’s all about experimentation and making it your own.

Chipotle Beef Barbacoa

4.9 from 1703 votes

Slow-cooked beef barbacoa with chipotle peppers, perfect for tacos or burritos. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Barbacoa

2 lbs beef chuck roast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
1 tbsp adobo sauce
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup beef broth

For Serving

4 small flour tortillas
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
1 lime, cut into wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1Cut beef chuck roast into 2-inch chunks.
2Season with salt and pepper.
3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4Sear beef on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5Transfer beef to the slow cooker.
6In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
7Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
8Stir in chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano.
9Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
10Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
11Pour beef broth into the slow cooker.
12Stir to combine all ingredients.
13Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
14Once done, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
15Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix well with the cooking liquid.
16Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
17Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
18Serve the barbacoa beef in tortillas, topped with chopped cilantro, diced onion, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier barbacoa, add more chipotle peppers. Serve with your favorite taco toppings.

I always recommend this chipotle beef barbacoa recipe for any occasion. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and versatile enough to suit any taste preference.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe never fails to impress. You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheat by simmering gently until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chipotle Beef Barbacoa

Q: What is barbacoa?

Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish that involves slow-cooking meat in a pit or oven. It originated from the Spanish word ‘barbacoa,’ meaning ‘meat cooked in a pit.’ The dish has been adapted over time to suit various tastes and preferences.

Q: What are chipotle peppers?

Chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeño peppers that have been dried and preserved. They add a nice smoky heat to dishes like this barbacoa recipe.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of beef brisket?

You can use ground beef if you prefer, but keep in mind that the texture will be different. Ground beef will cook faster than beef brisket, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe contains meat and is not suitable for vegetarians.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

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