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Easy Chipotle Barbacoa Recipes

Easy Chipotle Barbacoa Recipes

Smoky, tender chipotle barbacoa made with chuck roast and a bold adobo-lime braise. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or nachos.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 3.25 lb beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks
  • 1.5 tbsp neutral oil (such as canola or avocado)
  • 1.5 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3.5 tsp garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo, minced add more for extra heat
  • 2 tbsp adobo sauce from the can
  • 1.5 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.13 tsp ground cloves a small pinch
  • 1 tsp ground coriander optional but nice
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste adds body
  • 1 tsp light brown sugar balances the heat; optional
  • 2.25 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp crumbled bay leaf optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Pat the beef dry, then season all over with 1.5 tsp salt and the black pepper.
  • Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear beef in batches until deeply browned. Move to a slow cooker.
  • Soften the onion in the same skillet, scraping up browned bits. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • Toast the cumin, oregano, cloves, and coriander with the onions for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in chipotles, adobo sauce, tomato paste, and brown sugar. Pour in broth, vinegar, and lime juice; simmer 1 minute.
  • Transfer the sauce to the slow cooker. Add crumbled bay leaf and remaining salt. Toss to coat the beef.
  • Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the meat shreds easily with two forks.
  • Shred the beef in the cooker. Skim excess fat. If saucy, simmer uncovered 10 minutes to thicken.
  • Taste and adjust with more lime or salt. Serve in warm tortillas or over rice with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Make it your way: swap half the chuck with beef short ribs for extra richness. For meal prep, cool completely, then refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months with some cooking juices. Crisp leftovers in a hot skillet for irresistible taco filling.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Chipotle Barbacoa Recipes flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.