Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef {Chipotle Copycat}
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs stewing beef
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 chipotle pepper
minced
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce
from the can of chipotles
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
or tamari if gluten-free
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
- Store-bought fresh salsa or pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- corn
- Lettuce
- Cheese
- sour cream
- cilantro
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup dry rice
- 1 tsp butter
Directions
- 1
Add all ingredients for barbacoa to Instant Pot in order that they are listed. Place lid on Instant Pot and make sure valve is set to seal.
- 2
Press the pressure cook button and set to high, then cook for 20 minutes. Instant Pot will take about 10-20 minutes to come to pressure then pressure cook the 20 minutes.
- 3
Do a natural pressure release, then open lid when pressure gauge has dropped and lid opens easily (should take about 20 minutes).
- 4
Meanwhile, make rice in a rice cooker and assemble ingredients for bowls.
- 5
When pressure has released, shred beef and then serve with rice and other desired toppings. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef {Chipotle Copycat}
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 42 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that incredibly tender, flavor-packed barbacoa beef from your favorite Mexican grill? This Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef delivers a spot-on Chipotle copycat experience right in your own kitchen, allowing you to create authentic flavors with ease.
Why This Barbacoa Beef Works So Well
The secret to this succulent barbacoa lies in the Instant Pot’s ability to transform humble stewing beef into incredibly tender, shredded perfection. A natural pressure release ensures the beef absorbs every bit of the smoky chipotle and savory spice blend, resulting in deep, authentic flavor that tastes like it slow-cooked all day, but comes together much faster.
What to Expect from This Dish
Prepare your taste buds for a truly satisfying experience. This barbacoa boasts a rich and complex flavor profile, balancing the smoky heat from chipotle peppers with bright, tangy notes from lime and vinegar. A robust blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika creates an authentic, savory depth that you'll recognize instantly. The stewing beef, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, will be incredibly tender and juicy, practically melting in your mouth and shredding effortlessly to soak up every drop of the aromatic sauce. This versatile dish brings that beloved Chipotle-style taste and texture directly to your table, making it an instant family favorite.
Customization & Variations
- For a gluten-free option, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari.
- While the traditional toppings enhance the experience, feel free to add your favorite hot sauces or a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving.
- Consider adding extra minced chipotle pepper if you prefer a spicier kick.
Serving & Context
This flavorful barbacoa beef is ideal for a lively family dinner, game day spread, or meal prep. Serve it as the star of tacos, burritos, or rice bowls alongside fresh salsa or pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, corn, crisp lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.