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Mouthwatering Barbacoa Recipe

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

Discover the rich flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine with this mouthwatering Barbacoa recipe. Tender beef slow-cooked to perfection in a blend of aromatic spices and smoky chipotle peppers, resulting in a deliciously juicy and flavorful dish perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a standalone entrée.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 lb Beef brisket or chuck roast (trimmed and cut into 2 inch chunks)
  • 1/2 cup Beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 2 medium Chipotle chiles in adobo (including the sauce, about 4 tsp)
  • 5 cloves Garlic (minced or coarsely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Lime juice
  • 1 tbsp Dried oregano
  • 2 tsp Cumin
  • 2 tsp Sea salt
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Ground cloves (optional)
  • 2 whole Bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: Combine the broth, chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, dried oregano, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and ground cloves in a blender (everything except the beef and bay leaves). Puree until smooth, creating a flavorful marinade that will infuse the meat with delicious taste.
  2. Arrange the meat: Place the beef chunks in the slow cooker. Pour the pureed mixture from the blender on top, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Add the whole bay leaves to enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
  3. Slow cook: Cook for 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low, until the beef is fall-apart tender. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy.
  4. Shred and serve: Remove the bay leaves. Using two forks, shred the meat and stir it into the juices. Cover and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the beef to absorb even more flavor. Use a slotted spoon to serve, ensuring each portion is well-drained yet moist.

Notes

  • For best results, choose a well-marbled cut of beef like brisket or chuck roast.
  • Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the heat level.
  • Leftover barbacoa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Serve with warm tortillas, diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an authentic Mexican experience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 250kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg