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.

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