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Chipotle Barbacoa

This Chipotle Barbacoa is a beloved dish that brings the smoky, spicy flavors of a restaurant right into your home kitchen. The meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 3-4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the chipotle can
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 1 cup beef broth

Equipment

  • Slow cooker or Instant Pot
  • Blender or food processor
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Large bowl
  • Fork for shredding

Method
 

  1. Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into large chunks.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the meat on all sides until browned.
  3. In a blender, combine onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar, and blend until smooth.
  4. Place the seared beef in the slow cooker and pour the blended sauce over it. Add bay leaves and beef broth.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  6. Once cooked, remove the beef and shred it using two forks.
  7. If desired, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
  8. Return the shredded meat to the sauce and mix well.
  9. Serve it warm in tacos, burritos, or bowls.

Notes

This barbacoa is versatile and pairs well with fresh toppings like cilantro, lime, or avocado.