This recipe transforms an inexpensive cut of meat into bold-flavored, tender perfection! Smoky, rich, and absolutely unforgettable, beef barbacoa takes your taco, burrito, or taco salad game to the next level.
What is Barbacoa
This recipe is a Mexican favorite and made with beef (although it was originally made with sheep, goat, or beef; lamb being the most popular). This delicious meat was originally slow-roasted in a pit covered with maguey leaves (which most of us are not able to recreate). And while barbacoa translates to barbecue is it now commonly used to describe the process of slow-steaming beef until it’s tender. I use the slow cooker to make this recipe easy and accessible. The tender beef is shredded and then spooned into corn tortillas.
Ingredients & Variations
BEEF Brisket, chuck, or pot roast can be used interchangeably. Use whatever you have on hand (chuck is my first choice for this recipe)! MARINADE Whether beef, lamb or goat, almost all barbacoa recipes contain onion, cumin and oregano along with peppers or chipotle peppers. The addition of beef broth & cider provide moisture. Don’t hesitate to add a little extra heat from jalapenos or green chilies! For a party, make a DIY Taco Bar and let everyone help themselves. Serve with a Mexican elote and taco toppers like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, onions, black olives, sour cream, and salsa!
How to Make Barbacoa
Tips for Success
Choose pieces of meat that look fresh with a fair amount of marbling through it for enhanced flavor. Cutting the pieces of meat against the grain shortens the fibers which makes it easier to shred and chew. It’s easier to shred the meat when it’s in larger pieces, and keeping them uniform in size means they will cook evenly in the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Keep barbacoa in a sealable container in the refrigerator. It should keep up to a week (if it lasts that long!). Freeze barbacoa meat in zippered bags with the date on the outside. It should keep up to eight weeks in the freezer.
More Beef Favorites
Easy Ground Beef Tacos – a family favorite Slow Cooker Beef Burritos Slow Cooker Shredded Beef – Perfect for Tacos or Enchiladas Easy Taco Salad Taco Lasagna Perfect Pot Roast
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