Name: Chipotle Copycat Barbacoa: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 5
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485647H54M21S
Total time: PT-485647H54M21S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 to 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 1 cup beef broth; Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, smoky, and tangy flavor packed with authentic Mexican spices
Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef chuck roast
Versatile for tacos, burritos, salads, and more
Easy hands-off cooking with slow cooker or pressure cooker options
Great for meal prep and feeding a crowd

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 to 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 cup beef broth
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the Meat:
Trim excess fat from beef chuck roast and cut into large chunks.
Sear the Beef:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef chunks on all sides to enhance flavor.
Combine Ingredients:
Transfer beef to slow cooker or pressure cooker. Add onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and chipotle peppers.
Add Broth:
Pour beef broth over beef, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
Cook:
- Slow cooker: Cook on low for 6 hours or until beef is tender and shreddable.
- Pressure cooker: Cook on high pressure for 60-75 minutes; allow natural pressure release.
Shred the Meat:
Remove beef and shred with two forks. Return shredded meat to the sauce to absorb flavors.
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste and add extra salt or lime juice as needed.
Serve Warm:
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 5
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- Slow cooker: 6 hours
- Pressure cooker: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker) or 1 hour 30 minutes (pressure cooker)

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a slightly tangier sauce.
Mix in fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
Serve with warm tortillas, rice, beans, or as a salad topping.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef?

Chuck roast is preferred for tenderness, but brisket or shoulder work well.

Are chipotle peppers very spicy?

They have a smoky heat that’s medium spicy; adjust quantity to taste.

Can I make this without a slow cooker or pressure cooker?

Yes, simmer covered in a heavy pot on low heat for 3-4 hours.

How do I prevent the beef from drying out?

Ensure the beef is mostly submerged in broth and cook low and slow.

Can I use fresh chipotle peppers?

Dried or canned chipotle in adobo are recommended for authentic flavor.

What sides pair best with barbacoa?

Tortillas, Mexican rice, beans, guacamole, and salsa complement it well.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just adjust cooking time as needed for larger quantities.

How spicy is this dish?

Moderate heat, but can be adjusted by adding fewer or more chipotle peppers.

Conclusion

This Chipotle Copycat Barbacoa recipe delivers tender, smoky, and flavorful beef that rivals the restaurant favorite. Whether slow-cooked or pressure-cooked, it’s a versatile dish that elevates tacos, burritos, and bowls with authentic Mexican flair. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, it’s an ultimate recipe to keep on hand.

Chipotle Copycat Barbacoa: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for 5

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Tender, smoky Chipotle Copycat Barbacoa made with beef chuck roast and authentic Mexican spices, perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, and more. Easy slow cooker or pressure cooker recipe for flavorful meals.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour 15 minutes (pressure cooker)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker) or 1 hour 30 minutes (pressure cooker)
Yield: 5 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow cooking or pressure cooking
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Trim excess fat from beef chuck roast and cut into large chunks.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef chunks on all sides to enhance flavor.
Transfer beef to slow cooker or pressure cooker. Add onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and chipotle peppers.
Pour beef broth over beef, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
Cook: Slow cooker on low for 6 hours or until beef is tender and shreddable; Pressure cooker on high pressure for 60-75 minutes, then allow natural pressure release.
Remove beef and shred with two forks. Return shredded meat to the sauce to absorb flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lime juice as needed.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.