Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Barbacoa

Here are just a few reasons why this barbacoa recipe is sure to become a favorite:

• Slow Cooker Magic: Minimal prep time means you can set it and forget it! Your slow cooker handles all the hard work, resulting in tender, fall-apart beef that’s simply irresistible.
• Authentic Experience: The combination of spices and chipotle chiles in adobo sauce captures the essence of traditional Mexican Barbacoa, making your kitchen feel like a local taqueria.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights and freezes remarkably well!
• Versatile Meal Options: Use this barbacoa in everything from tacos and burrito bowls to salads and nachos. The possibilities are extensive, ensuring you never get tired of this delightful dish!

Ingredients

• Chuck Roast: This well-marbled beef cut breaks down perfectly during cooking, making it flavorful and easy to shred.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness and helps tenderize the meat while enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice infuses zesty brightness, cutting through the richness of the beef.
• Chipotle Chiles in Adobo Sauce: These smoky, spicy chiles are essential, lending deep, complex flavors to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a savory depth and richness to the overall flavor.
• Seasonings: A mix of cumin, dried oregano, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper balances the flavors, adding warmth and earthiness.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for searing the beef, it helps seal in the juices and creates a caramelized crust.
• Chicken Broth: This adds richness to the sauce, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
• Bay Leaves: Adding subtle earthy notes as the barbacoa cooks, remember to remove them before serving!

How to Make Chipotle Barbacoa

Creating this mouthwatering barbacoa is simpler than you may think! Just follow these easy steps:

1. Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the apple cider vinegar, lime juice, chipotle chiles, garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Prepare the Beef: Trim excess fat from the chuck roast and cut it into chunks. Sear the beef pieces in hot vegetable oil until they’re nicely browned on all sides.
3. Assemble: Place the seared beef into the slow cooker, then pour the blended sauce over it. Add chicken broth, and tuck in the bay leaves.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker, setting it to high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours. The barbacoa is ready when the meat is tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred and Serve: Shred the beef directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, then serve!

Tips for the Best Chipotle Barbacoa

Here are a few tips to elevate your barbacoa-making skills:

• Not a Chuck Roast Fan? Consider brisket or beef cheeks for a different texture and flavor profile, both of which are perfect for slow cooking.
• Marinate Overnight: For even deeper flavor, marinate the beef chunks in the blended sauce overnight—or at least for 12 hours—for the best results.
• Save the Sauce: Reserve a bit of the adobo sauce from the chipotle can and add it during the last hour of cooking for an extra burst of smoky goodness.
• Make it Mild: If spice isn’t your thing, use only two chipotle chiles while retaining the adobo sauce for flavor depth without too much heat.
• Get Toasty: Toasting the dried cumin and oregano in a dry skillet for 30-60 seconds intensifies their flavors dramatically.
• Save Some Time: If your sauce is too thin, remove the meat and set the slow cooker to high for 20-30 minutes to reduce the sauce. Also, consider using a hand mixer on low to shred the meat quickly and easily.

Serving Suggestions

Once your barbacoa is ready, consider garnishing with fresh toppings, such as:

• Cilantro
• Diced onions or pickled red onions
• A squeeze of lime for an added burst of brightness

This versatile barbacoa can be served in various ways:

• Tacos
• Burrito bowls
• Nachos
• Quesadillas
• Over rice or in salads

How to Store

If you have any leftovers, proper storage helps retain their deliciousness:

• To Store: Cool the barbacoa and store it in an airtight container with its cooking juices in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To Freeze: Place the barbacoa and its juices in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It will freeze well for up to 3 months. For convenience, portion it into meal-sized amounts.
• To Reheat: Warm the barbacoa on the stovetop over medium-low heat or use a microwave in 30-second intervals. For large portions, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.