Ultimate Chipotle-Style Barbacoa
Elevate your culinary skills with this Ultimate Chipotle-Style Barbacoa recipe, inspired by the famous restaurant's rich flavors. Perfecting the art of barbacoa at home started as a light-hearted competition between my husband Scott and his friend Steve during their grad school days. After a casual lunch filled with Chipotle burritos, their challenge sparked a culinary adventure that ultimately led to this amazing recipe. The result? A succulent, flavorful barbacoa that rivals the original! Made with tender chuck roast, a smoky adobo sauce, and spices that bring a delightful kick, this dish is sure to impress friends and family alike. Serve it up in warm tortillas, alongside rice and beans, or pile it high on nachos for a crowd-pleasing feast. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this barbacoa on repeat!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 cup (None)
Minced Garlic Cloves
4 teaspoons (Minced)
Cumin
4 teaspoons (Ground)
Oregano
2 teaspoons (Dried)
Ground Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Ground Cloves
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (For searing)
Chicken Broth
3/4 cup (None)
Bay Leaves
3 (None)
Lime Juice
3 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Chipotle Chiles in Adobo
3-4 (Minced)
Chuck Roast
4-5 lbs (Trimmed and cut into chunks)
Instructions
1
In a blender or food processor, combine the apple cider vinegar, lime juice, chipotle chiles, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt, and ground cloves. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined to create the flavorful adobo sauce.
2
Prepare the chuck roast by trimming most of the excess fat. Cut the meat into large chunks, about six pieces.
3
In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chunks of chuck roast and sear them on all sides until they develop a rich brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4
Transfer the seared meat to the Crockpot and pour the adobo sauce over the top, ensuring all the meat is well coated.
5
Add the chicken broth and tuck in the bay leaves. Cover the Crockpot and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours until the meat is tender and easily shreds.
6
Once cooked, shred the meat directly in the Crockpot using two forks. Turn the heat setting to warm and let it rest for a few minutes.
7
Serve the barbacoa in warm tortilla shells and offer a variety of toppings like rice, black or pinto beans, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream for a fully loaded meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Chipotle-Style Barbacoa?
It is a flavorful shredded beef dish made with tender chuck roast and a smoky adobo sauce, inspired by the famous restaurant's recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What cut of meat is used for this barbacoa?
The recipe uses 4-5 lbs of chuck roast, trimmed and cut into chunks.
What are the main ingredients in the adobo sauce?
The adobo sauce consists of apple cider vinegar, lime juice, chipotle chiles, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt, and ground cloves.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
You can cook it on high for 6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours until the meat is tender.
Is it necessary to sear the meat?
Yes, searing the chunks of meat in vegetable oil for 3-4 minutes per side helps develop a rich brown crust and better flavor.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend on high speed until smooth.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 4 teaspoons of minced garlic cloves.
What kind of broth is added to the Crockpot?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of chicken broth.
How many chipotle chiles should I use?
Use 3 to 4 minced chipotle chiles in adobo sauce.
What spices provide the smoky flavor?
The chipotle chiles in adobo and ground cloves contribute to the smoky and deep flavor profile.
How many bay leaves are required?
Tuck 3 bay leaves into the Crockpot before cooking.
Do I need to use fresh lime juice?
Yes, the recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
How should I shred the meat?
Shred the meat directly in the Crockpot using two forks once it is tender.
What are the recommended toppings for barbacoa?
Recommended toppings include shredded cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
Can this be served as a bowl?
Yes, you can serve it with rice and black or pinto beans as a burrito bowl.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a delightful kick from the chipotle chiles, but the heat level can be adjusted by the number of chiles used.
What type of oil is used for searing?
Vegetable oil is used to sear the meat over medium-high heat.
Should the fat be removed from the beef?
Yes, you should trim most of the excess fat before cutting the meat into chunks.
What is the recommended serving size?
The recipe makes 8 servings, though specific serving weight is not defined.
Can I use this for nachos?
Yes, this barbacoa is perfect for piling high on nachos.
What setting should the Crockpot be on after shredding?
Turn the heat setting to warm and let the shredded meat rest for a few minutes before serving.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of ground cumin.
How much oregano is used?
Use 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
Is ground cloves necessary?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves is used to add a unique depth of flavor.
How should the meat be cut?
Cut the trimmed chuck roast into approximately six large pieces.
Can I serve this in tortillas?
Yes, it is traditionally served in warm tortilla shells.
How long do I sear each side of the meat?
Sear the meat for about 3-4 minutes per side until a crust develops.
What kind of pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.