Best Beef Barbacoa Recipe
Beef barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish that’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With its tender, slow-cooked meat, aromatic spices, and deep, smoky flavors, this dish is perfect for everything from tacos to burritos, or even served on its own with a side of rice and beans.
Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply craving a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, this beef barbacoa recipe will deliver.
Why Beef Barbacoa?
Barbacoa, which translates to “barbecue,” is a method of cooking meat that originated in Mexico and involves slow-cooking the meat over an open fire or in a pit. While the traditional method might not be practical for most home cooks, this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the authentic flavors. The result is succulent, flavorful meat that’s perfect for a wide variety of dishes.
The History and Origins of Barbacoa
Barbacoa has its roots in the Caribbean, where indigenous peoples would slow-cook meat over a pit, a method that was later adopted and adapted by the Spanish colonizers in Mexico. The method of cooking evolved over time, with different regions of Mexico developing their own versions of barbacoa, using different types of meat, marinades, and cooking methods.
In Central and Southern Mexico, barbacoa is traditionally made with lamb or goat, while in Northern Mexico, beef is the preferred choice. The meat is often marinated in a mixture of spices and chilies, then slow-cooked until it’s tender and falling apart. Today, beef barbacoa is a popular dish not just in Mexico but around the world, especially in the United States, where it’s often served in tacos, burritos, and other Tex-Mex dishes.
How to Make Beef Barbacoa
Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
Start by preparing the dried chilies. Remove the stems and seeds from the chilies, then place them in a bowl of hot water. Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft. Once softened, blend the chilies with a little of the soaking water until you have a smooth paste. This chili paste will form the base of your marinade.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a blender, combine the chili paste with garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. This marinade will infuse the beef with flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Marinate the Beef
Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks, about 2-3 inches in size. Place the beef in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, then pour the marinade over the top. Make sure all the pieces of beef are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer the beef marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Step 4: Slow-Cook the Beef
Transfer the marinated beef to a slow cooker, along with any remaining marinade. Add the beef broth and bay leaves to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Step 5: Shred the Beef
Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer it to a large bowl. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. If there are any large pieces of fat, remove them. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce, letting it soak up all the flavors.
Step 6: Serve the Barbacoa
Your beef barbacoa is now ready to serve! It can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to quesadillas and sandwiches. Serve it with warm tortillas, fresh lime wedges, chopped onions, cilantro, and your favorite salsas.
Tips for Making the Best Beef Barbacoa
Use the Right Cut of Beef
The key to tender, flavorful barbacoa is using the right cut of beef. Chuck roast is ideal because it has enough fat and connective tissue to keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
Don’t Rush the Marination Process
Marinating the beef is crucial for developing flavor. Be sure to marinate the beef for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This allows the spices and chilies to penetrate the meat fully.
Cook Low and Slow
Barbacoa is all about slow-cooking the beef until it’s tender enough to fall apart. Whether you’re using a slow cooker or an oven, be patient and let the meat cook slowly to achieve the best results.
Adjust the Spice Level
If you prefer a milder barbacoa, you can reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds from the chilies before blending them. Conversely, if you like it spicier, add a few more chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Make It Ahead
Beef barbacoa is a great make-ahead dish because the flavors only improve as it sits. You can make the barbacoa a day or two in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It also freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for later.
Variations on Beef Barbacoa
Oven-Baked Barbacoa
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make barbacoa in the oven. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). After marinating the beef, place it in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot. Add the beef broth and bay leaves, then cover and cook in the oven for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
Instant Pot Barbacoa
For a quicker version of barbacoa, use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. After marinating the beef, sauté it in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting until browned on all sides. Add the beef broth and bay leaves, then set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before shredding the beef.
Barbacoa Tacos
One of the most popular ways to enjoy beef barbacoa is in tacos. Simply spoon the shredded beef into warm corn or flour tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings, such as chopped onions, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Barbacoa Burritos
For a heartier meal, use the beef barbacoa as the filling for burritos. Add the beef to a large flour tortilla along with rice, beans, cheese, and any other fillings you like. Roll it up and enjoy!
Barbacoa Bowls
For a lighter option, serve the beef barbacoa in a bowl over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice. Top with fresh vegetables, salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Barbacoa
Beef barbacoa is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
With Rice and Beans
A classic way to serve beef barbacoa is with Mexican rice and refried beans on the side. The rich, flavorful beef pairs perfectly with the savory rice and creamy beans.
In Tacos
As mentioned earlier, beef barbacoa makes excellent taco filling. Serve it in soft corn tortillas with your favorite taco toppings for a delicious meal.
In Quesadillas
For a cheesy, comforting dish, use the beef barbacoa as the filling for quesadillas. Simply place the shredded beef and some cheese between two tortillas, then cook on a hot griddle until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted.
As a Topping for Nachos
For a fun and festive dish, use beef barbacoa as a topping for nachos. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with shredded beef, cheese, and your favorite
toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and you’ve got a perfect party snack or casual dinner.
In Enchiladas
Beef barbacoa also works wonderfully as a filling for enchiladas. Roll the shredded beef in corn tortillas, place them in a baking dish, cover with your favorite enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly. Top with cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for a hearty and flavorful meal.
As a Sandwich
For a unique twist, try making a barbacoa sandwich. Pile the shredded beef onto a soft roll or bun, top with pickled onions, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Serve with a side of fries or chips for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Nutritional Benefits of Beef Barbacoa
Barbacoa isn’t just delicious—it can also be part of a balanced diet. Beef is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which play crucial roles in energy production and overall health.
However, it’s important to enjoy barbacoa in moderation, especially if you’re watching your saturated fat intake. To make your barbacoa healthier, consider serving it with plenty of fresh vegetables, opting for whole grain tortillas, or using leaner cuts of beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make beef barbacoa with other types of meat?
Yes, while beef is traditional, you can make barbacoa with other meats like lamb, pork, or even chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is tender and flavorful.
Q2: How do I store leftover beef barbacoa?
Store any leftover barbacoa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Q3: Can I make beef barbacoa in advance?
Absolutely! Beef barbacoa is a great make-ahead dish. The flavors actually improve as it sits, so feel free to make it a day or two ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q4: Is beef barbacoa spicy?
The level of spiciness in beef barbacoa can vary depending on the types and amounts of chilies you use in the marinade. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the number of chilies or use milder varieties. For more heat, add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Q5: What are some good side dishes to serve with beef barbacoa?
Beef barbacoa pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with chips and salsa, guacamole, or a fresh pico de gallo for a complete meal.
Best Beef Barbacoa Recipe
Beef barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish that’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With its tender, slow-cooked meat, aromatic spices, and deep, smoky flavors, this dish is perfect for everything from tacos to burritos, or even served on its own with a side of rice and beans. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply craving a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, this beef barbacoa recipe will deliver.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 3-inch chunks
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 to 4 chipotles in adobo sauce, finely diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup beef stock
- 3 bay leaves
Instructions
Add all of the ingredients, except the bay leaves, to the bowl of a slow cooker.
Use tongs to gently toss and mix it all together. Then add the bay leaves, and cover. Cook on low for 8 to 9 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The beef should be tender and fall apart easily when shredded with a fork. If it doesn't shred easily, cook it a bit longer.
Remove the beef to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it.
Place the shredded beef back in the slow cooker, give it a stir, and let it absorb the juices.
Serve the barbacoa straight from the slow cooker, or add it to a plate and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.