Recipe
Authentic Mexican Barbacoa
Savory Slow-Cooked Beef Delight
4.6 out of 5
Indulge in the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with this authentic Barbacoa recipe. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish showcases tender beef infused with aromatic spices and traditional cooking techniques.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
3-4 hours
Total time
3 hours 20 minutes - 4 hours 20 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Paleo, Low-carb, Keto
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Nut-free, Egg-free
Ingredients
-
2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) beef chuck roast 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) beef chuck roast
-
4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
-
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
-
2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
-
2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice
-
2 teaspoons (10g) ground cumin 2 teaspoons (10g) ground cumin
-
1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
-
1 teaspoon (5g) ground cloves 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cloves
-
2 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded 2 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
-
1 dried ancho chili, stemmed and seeded 1 dried ancho chili, stemmed and seeded
-
1 cup (240ml) beef broth 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
-
Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 7g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
-
1.Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
-
2.In a blender or food processor, combine the minced garlic, chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, cumin, oregano, cloves, guajillo chilies, ancho chili, and beef broth. Blend until smooth.
-
3.Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper on all sides.
-
4.Place the beef in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven.
-
5.Pour the blended marinade over the beef, ensuring it is evenly coated.
-
6.Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
-
7.Cook for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds apart.
-
8.Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks.
-
9.Return the shredded beef to the pot and mix it with the remaining juices.
-
10.Serve the Barbacoa in tacos, burritos, or as desired, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Dried chilies — Before using, toast the dried chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side. This will enhance their flavor and make them easier to blend.
Tips & Tricks
- For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- If you prefer a spicier Barbacoa, you can add additional chipotle peppers or use spicier dried chilies.
- Leftover Barbacoa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future use.
- Serve the Barbacoa with warm tortillas, diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a traditional Mexican experience.
- If you don't have a slow cooker or oven, you can also cook the Barbacoa on the stovetop over low heat for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serving advice
Serve the Barbacoa in warm tortillas as tacos, or use it as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or enchiladas. Top with your favorite garnishes such as diced onions, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of flavor.
Presentation advice
Arrange the Barbacoa tacos on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a colorful salsa for a visually appealing presentation.
More recipes...
More Mexican cuisine dishes » Browse all
Tacos de papa
Potato Tacos
Tacos de papa are a delicious and filling vegetarian option for taco lovers. These tacos are made with mashed potatoes and a variety of spices,...
Bustamante Backbone
Bustamante Backbone is a spicy Jamaican dish made with chicken and vegetables. It is a popular dish in Jamaica and is perfect for a hearty meal.
Tlacoyo
Tlacoyos are a traditional Mexican dish that consists of a thick, oval-shaped corn tortilla that is filled with beans, cheese, or meat and then...