chipotle restaurant barbacoa recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chipotle restaurant barbacoa recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Chipotle Restaurant Barbacoa Recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m sure it will be in yours too. The story behind this recipe is that it originated in Mexico, where barbacoa refers to slow-cooked meat, typically beef or goat, that’s wrapped in maguey leaves and cooked over an open flame.

However, the version I’m sharing with you today is an adaptation of the popular Chipotle Mexican Grill’s barbacoa recipe. The moment I took a bite of their barbacoa burrito, I knew I had to recreate it at home. My family and I love this recipe because it’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and can be easily customized to suit our dietary needs.

The flavor profile of this barbacoa is incredible – tender beef or chicken, rich and deep in flavor, with just the right amount of spice from the chipotle peppers. It’s a perfect blend of spicy and savory that will leave you wanting more. When I cook this recipe for my family, they always ask for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!)

, which is a testament to how much they love it. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it in tacos, burritos, bowls, or even as a dip for tortilla chips.

It’s also an excellent option for meal prep or batch cooking because it freezes beautifully and reheats perfectly. From a health perspective, this recipe is a great choice because it’s loaded with protein from the beef or chicken, fiber from the onions and garlic, and antioxidants from the chipotle peppers. Plus, using low-sodium broth and spices ensures that we’re not overloading on salt or preservatives.

Chipotle Style Barbacoa

4.8 from 1902 votes

Chipotle Style Barbacoa is a slow-cooked, tender beef dish with a rich, smoky flavor. It is seasoned with aromatic spices and chipotle peppers.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time3 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the beef

2 lb beef chuck roast
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, finely chopped

For the braising liquid

1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup water
1/2 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp adobo sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For garnish

Cilantro
Lime wedges
Onion

👨‍🍳Directions

1Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast.
2Season the beef generously with salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3Rub the chipotle chili in adobo sauce evenly over the beef.
4Place the beef in the slow cooker.
5Add the beef broth, water, sliced onion, minced garlic, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
6Stir to combine, ensuring the beef is mostly submerged in the liquid.
7Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
8This will be evident when the beef is soft and falls apart easily.
9If the beef is not tender after 8 hours, continue cooking for another hour and check again.
10Remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
11Use two forks to shred the beef into small pieces.
12Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.
13Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the braising liquid.
14Cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
15The beef should be very tender and the liquid should have a rich, smoky flavor.
16Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
17The barbacoa should have a bold, smoky flavor with a hint of heat from the chipotle chili.
18If the barbacoa is too spicy, add a bit more beef broth to dilute the heat.
19If it is not spicy enough, add a small amount of finely chopped chipotle chili in adobo sauce.
20Serve the barbacoa hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced onion.
21The barbacoa should be tender and juicy, with a rich, smoky flavor.
22Enjoy it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls, or serve it as a main dish with your favorite sides.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier barbacoa, add more chipotle chili in adobo sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle chili. You can also add a bit of brown sugar to balance the flavors if desired.

This Chipotle Barbacoa recipe is a great option for any occasion. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy dinner at home. It’s a great way to bring a taste of Chipotle’s Barbacoa into your own kitchen.

The slow-cooked beef is tender and flavorful, and it pairs well with a variety of sides. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your family’s tastes and preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this Barbacoa recipe is sure to be a hit.

You can store leftover Barbacoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the Barbacoa in a pan over medium heat and cook until warmed through.

You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to dry it out. Serve it with warm tortillas, Mexican rice, and your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chipotle Style Barbacoa

Q: What type of meat should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either beef or chicken for this recipe. If you prefer beef, you can use either ground beef or thinly sliced beef cuts like flank steak or skirt steak. If you prefer chicken, boneless chicken breasts work perfectly well.

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

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply brown the meat in a pan before transferring it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

Q: How do I store leftover barbacoa?

A: You can store leftover barbacoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure to heat it until steaming hot throughout.

Q: Can I customize this recipe to suit my dietary needs?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable to suit various dietary needs. For example, if you’re gluten-free, simply substitute the regular broth with gluten-free broth. If you’re vegan, replace the beef or chicken with plant-based protein sources like tempeh or seitan.

Q: How do I serve this barbacoa?

A: You can serve this barbacoa in various ways – as tacos with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on top; as burritos wrapped with tortillas; as bowls filled with rice, beans, and vegetables; or even as a dip for tortilla chips.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time! In fact, one of the best things about this recipe is that it freezes beautifully and reheats perfectly.

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