Tender, Juicy Beef Barbacoa (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
cut into 2 inch cubes), (can also use beef brisket
- 1 medium onion
diced
- 6 cloves garlic
peeled and smashed
- 3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice)
(about 2 oranges
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice)
(about 2 limes
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp cumin
- (can be spicy, adjust to taste2 tsp chipotle powder)
- 2 tsp oregano)
(fresh or dried
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp ghee)
(or other cooking oil
- romaine lettuce)
(or sub Siete Tortillas or other sturdy lettuce
- cilantro
- avocado
- lime wedges
Directions
- 1
Cut beef into cubes and set aside. Prep onion and garlic as noted.
- 2
Combine orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, tomato paste, cumin, chipotle powder, oregano, salt and ground cloves in a bowl or jar and mix well.
- 3
Press the sauté button on the instant pot and add ghee. Once hot, add in the beef and brown it on all sides. Press cancel on the instant pot once the beef is browned.
- 4
Add in the diced onion and garlic cloves and pour the juice/seasoning mixture all over everything.
- 5
Secure the lid on the instant pot and close the pressure valve. Press the "manual" button (or "pressure cook" button) and set the time to cook for 30 minutes at high pressure. Once the time is up, let the pressure naturally release on its own for 20 minutes.
- 6
Manually release any remaining pressure and remove the lid. Shred the beef with two forks.
- 7
Serve beef in bowls over greens, in lettuce wedges or in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
- 8
Follow steps 1-2 above.
- 9
Set your oven to broil.
Tender, Juicy Beef Barbacoa (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
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About this Recipe
Craving incredibly tender, flavor-packed beef barbacoa that practically melts in your mouth? This recipe delivers authentic, smoky shredded beef, perfect for satisfying those restaurant cravings right at home. You'll love how straightforward it is to achieve such deep, savory flavors.
Why This Barbacoa Works
The secret to this barbacoa's irresistible taste lies in its vibrant, zesty marinade. Simmered in a thoughtful blend of fresh orange and lime juices, alongside robust spices like cumin, chipotle powder, and oregano, the beef chuck roast transforms into juicy, shreddable perfection. The flexibility to use either your slow cooker or Instant Pot makes this a highly convenient choice for any busy schedule, ensuring succulent results every time.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly memorable culinary experience. Each bite of this beef barbacoa offers a burst of smoky, savory goodness with a subtle kick from the chipotle. The long, slow cooking process (or efficient pressure cooking) breaks down the beef chuck roast, yielding an exceptionally tender texture that shreds effortlessly. It's an intensely flavored, juicy dish that's incredibly versatile for a variety of meals, from hearty tacos to vibrant bowls.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to make this barbacoa your own. You can easily swap beef chuck roast for beef brisket for a slightly different texture. Adjust the chipotle powder to your preference if you prefer less heat, or add a bit more for a bolder spice. Fresh or dried oregano both work wonderfully, so use what you have on hand. For serving, while romaine lettuce is fantastic, Siete Tortillas or other sturdy lettuce are great alternatives. You can also use your preferred cooking oil if ghee isn't available.
Serving & Context
This tender beef barbacoa shines in countless ways, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining friends. Serve it nestled in crisp romaine lettuce cups, wrapped in tortillas, or atop a bed of rice. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime for a vibrant finish.