Barbacoa (Chipotle Copycat) Recipe
This Chipotle copycat Barbacoa recipe features tender, richly flavored shredded beef slow-cooked in a smoky, spicy adobo sauce. Made with beef brisket or chuck roast, chipotle chiles, garlic, and aromatic spices, it delivers authentic Mexican-style barbecue that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (high) or 9 hours (low)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (high) or 9 hours 15 minutes (low)
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 3 lb Beef brisket or chuck roast (trimmed and cut into 2 inch chunks)
Liquid & Sauce
- 1/2 cup Beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 medium Chipotle chiles in adobo (including the sauce, about 4 tsp)
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
Spices & Seasonings
- 5 cloves Garlic (minced or coarsely chopped)
- 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
- Prepare the sauce: Combine the beef broth, chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, dried oregano, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and optional ground cloves in a blender. Puree until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble in slow cooker: Place the beef chunks into the slow cooker. Pour the pureed sauce mixture over the beef, ensuring it is evenly coated. Add the two whole bay leaves on top to infuse additional flavor during cooking.
- Slow cook the beef: Cook the beef on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, until the meat is very tender and easily falls apart when shredded.
- Shred and rest: Remove the bay leaves and shred the beef using two forks directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded beef into the juices to fully absorb the flavors. Cover and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Use a slotted spoon to serve the flavorful shredded barbacoa as a filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Notes
- Using beef brisket or chuck roast allows for tender, flavorful meat ideal for shredding.
- If you prefer a milder spice level, reduce chipotle chiles or remove seeds before pureeing.
- The recipe can be doubled and cooked in a larger slow cooker for bigger gatherings.
- Leftover barbacoa keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Serve with warm corn tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges for an authentic touch.
Keywords: barbacoa, chipotle barbacoa, slow cooker barbacoa, shredded beef, Mexican beef recipe, chipotle chile, adobo sauce, beef brisket recipe, beef chuck roast recipe, slow cooker recipes
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/barbacoa-chipotle-copycat-recipe/
