Description
This Beef Barbacoa is fall-apart tender and packed with bold, smoky flavors. Slow-cooked in a rich adobo sauce with citrus, garlic, and spices, it’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls. A must-try high-protein dinner that’s easy to make in a slow cooker, Dutch oven, or Instant Pot
Ingredients
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3-5 lbs beef chuck roast or beef cheek
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1/3 cup orange juice
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1/4 cup lime juice
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1 cup beef broth
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3-4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
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1/4 cup light brown sugar
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1 tsp apple cider vinegar
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2 tsp kosher salt
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 onion, chopped
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1 tbsp cumin
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2 tsp oregano
Optional Ingredients (for serving):
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Tortillas
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Chopped cilantro
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Diced onion
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Lime wedges
Instructions
Dutch Oven/Slow Cooker:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). If using a slow cooker, transfer beef after searing.
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In a food processor, blend orange juice, lime juice, beef broth, chipotle peppers, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, garlic, onion, cumin, and oregano until smooth. Pour over beef.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 6-8 hours until tender.
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Remove beef, shred with forks, then return to the pot or slow cooker. Let it cook on HIGH for 10 more minutes to absorb the juices.
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Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker:
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Press “Sauté More” on the Instant Pot. When it reads “HOT”, add olive oil and sear beef on all sides. Turn off sauté mode.
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In a food processor, blend orange juice, lime juice, beef broth, chipotle peppers, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, garlic, onion, cumin, and oregano until smooth. Pour over beef.
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Close the lid, set to High Pressure, and cook for 90 minutes. Allow natural pressure release.
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Remove beef, shred with forks, then return to the Instant Pot. Cook on “Sauté” for 10 more minutes to absorb the juices.
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Serve with warm tortillas and toppings.
Notes
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For a spicier kick, add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Leftovers store well for 3-4 days in the fridge or can be frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg