barbacoa recipe

Barbacoa Recipe

This barbacoa recipe delivers tender, juicy, slow-cooked beef infused with dried chiles, garlic, and warm spices. Traditionally inspired by Mexican barbacoa, this version uses beef chuck roast braised until it’s fall-apart soft and full of bold flavor. Perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or salads. Discover more flavorful recipes like Barbacoa Recipe right here.

barbacoa recipe slow cooker
barbacoa recipe slow cooker

Ingredients

  • 4 Dried Guajillo Chiles
  • 2 Teaspoons Cumin Seeds
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Whole Cloves
  • 1 Cup Boiling Water
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ancho Chile Powder
  • 1 Large Onion, Quartered
  • 6 Cloves Garlic
  • 2 Teaspoons Dried Oregano
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Thyme
  • 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 Teaspoons Lime Juice
  • 1 (6-Pound) Boneless Beef Chuck Roast
  • 2 Bay Leaves

Directions

  • Heat A Heavy Skillet Over Medium Heat. Toast Guajillo Chiles For About 5 Minutes Until Fragrant And Slightly Puffed. Remove And Set Aside.
  • Toast Cumin Seeds And Cloves In The Same Skillet Until Aromatic. Grind Into A Fine Powder.
  • Remove Stems And Seeds From Chiles. Place In A Bowl And Cover With Boiling Water. Let Soak For 1 Hour.
  • In A Blender, Combine Ground Spices, Ancho Powder, Onion, Garlic, Oregano, Thyme, Vinegar, Lime Juice, Soaked Chiles, And 1/3 Cup Chile Soaking Liquid. Blend Until Smooth.
  • Coat Beef Roast Thoroughly With The Chile Paste. Cover And Marinate Overnight In The Refrigerator.
  • Preheat Oven To 325°F (165°C).
  • Transfer Beef And Marinade To A Roasting Pan. Add Bay Leaves. Cover Tightly With Foil.
  • Bake For About 6 Hours Until Beef Is Very Tender And Easily Shreds With A Fork.
  • Rest For 1 Hour, Remove Bay Leaves, And Shred Beef Before Serving.
barbacoa recipe smoker
barbacoa recipe smoker

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours 10 Minutes
Additional Time: 10 Hours (Marinating)
Total Time: 16 Hours 40 Minutes
Servings: 24
Yield: 12 Cups