Best 2 Easy Beef Barbacoa Recipes

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**Beef barbacoa** is a traditional Mexican dish that is made with slow-cooked beef that is shredded and served with a variety of toppings. The beef is typically cooked in a flavorful broth made with spices, herbs, and vegetables. This dish can be made with a variety of cuts of beef, but chuck roast or brisket are popular choices. It is often served with tortillas, rice, and beans, and topped with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

This article provides three different recipes for beef barbacoa:

* **Traditional Beef Barbacoa:** This recipe uses a chuck roast that is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth made with spices, herbs, and vegetables. The beef is shredded and served with tortillas, rice, and beans, and topped with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
* **Crock Pot Beef Barbacoa:** This recipe uses a crock pot to slow-cook the beef. The beef is shredded and served with tortillas, rice, and beans, and topped with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
* **Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa:** This recipe uses an Instant Pot to cook the beef. The beef is shredded and served with tortillas, rice, and beans, and topped with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

All three recipes are easy to follow and can be made with ingredients that are readily available. The traditional recipe takes the longest to cook, but the crock pot and Instant Pot recipes are great options for busy weeknights. No matter which recipe you choose, you are sure to enjoy this delicious and flavorful Mexican dish.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SLOW-COOKER BEEF BARBACOA



Slow-Cooker Beef Barbacoa image

I love this beef barbacoa because the meat is fall-apart tender and the sauce is smoky, slightly spicy and so flavorful. It's an amazing alternative to ground beef tacos or even pulled pork carnitas. It's also versatile. You can have a soft taco bar and let people make their own-or offer mouthwatering Mexican pizzas or rice bowls. -Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 6h20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 beef rump or bottom round roast (3 pounds)
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/3 cup tomato paste
8 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce plus 1 tablespoon sauce
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup beef stock
1 cup beer or additional stock
16 corn tortillas (6 inches)
Pico de gallo
Optional toppings: Lime wedges, queso fresco and additional cilantro

Steps:

  • Cut roast in half. Mix next 9 ingredients; rub over roast. Place in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Add stock and beer. Cook, covered, until meat is tender, 6-8 hours., Remove roast; shred with 2 forks. Reserve 3 cups cooking juices; discard remaining juices. Skim fat from reserved juices. Return beef and reserved juices to slow cooker; heat through., Serve with tortillas and pico de gallo. If desired, serve with lime wedges, queso fresco and additional cilantro.Freeze option: Place shredded beef in freezer containers. Cool and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered saucepan, stirring gently; add broth if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 361 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 101mg cholesterol, Sodium 652mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 38g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SLOW-COOKER BARBACOA



Slow-Cooker Barbacoa image

My husband adores this barbacoa, which is beef roast simmered in lime juice, chipotle and cumin. He would eat it one a week if I would make it that often! We have it over rice with cilantro and a spritz of lime. -Aundrea McCormick, Denver, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 7h45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 teaspoons ground cumin
3 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 to 4 pounds)
3 bay leaves
RICE:
3 cups water
2 cups uncooked jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
3 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice

Steps:

  • Place the first 9 ingredients in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add broth; pulse to combine., Place roast and bay leaves in a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker; pour sauce over top. Cook, covered, on low until meat is tender, 7-9 hours., Prepare rice about 30 minutes before serving. In a large saucepan, combine water, rice, butter and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat; gently stir in cilantro and lime juice., Remove roast from slow cooker; cool slightly. Discard bay leaves and skim fat from cooking juices. Shred beef with 2 forks; return to slow cooker. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 513 calories, Fat 21g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 122mg cholesterol, Sodium 882mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 37g protein.

Tips:

  • Use chuck roast or brisket for the best results. These cuts of beef are tough but will become tender when cooked slowly.
  • Sear the beef before braising it. This will help to develop flavor and color.
  • Use a Dutch oven or slow cooker to braise the beef. This will allow the beef to cook evenly and slowly.
  • Add plenty of liquid to the braising liquid. This will help to keep the beef moist and prevent it from drying out.
  • Season the braising liquid with your favorite spices and herbs. This will help to add flavor to the beef.
  • Cook the beef until it is fall-apart tender. This will take at least 2 hours, but it may take longer depending on the cut of beef you are using.
  • Serve the barbacoa with your favorite toppings, such as tortillas, rice, beans, and salsa.

Conclusion:

Beef barbacoa is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a great option for a party or potluck, and it can also be served as a main course for a family dinner. With a little planning, you can easily make beef barbacoa at home. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting recipe, give beef barbacoa a try!

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