Authentic Beef Barbacoa Recipe for Tender, Flavorful Meat

A Chipotle Mexican Grill copycat: an easy slow cooker Beef Barbacoa that makes an amazingly delicious burrito!

I have never eaten at a Chipotle Mexican Grill. I know — surprising for someone who loves Mexican flavors. Still, I kept seeing beef barbacoa recipes everywhere on Facebook and Pinterest and decided to experiment. If it can be wrapped in a tortilla and it’s beef, I’m in. I combined ideas from several recipes to create a simple, flavorful slow cooker Beef Barbacoa that my family loved.

The first bite had my kids declaring, “It’s just like Chipotle’s.” My daughter has asked for it again and again, so I’ll take that as a compliment. This recipe was also the nudge I needed to finally post this, even though the photos weren’t perfect.

How To Make Easy Beef Barbacoa

The method is straightforward: blend the sauce, pour over the beef in the slow cooker, and let it cook low and slow.

Beef Barbacoa Sauce

In a blender, combine 3–4 chipotle chiles in adobo, 1 1/4 cups beef broth, 4 tsp minced garlic, 1 1/2 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 3/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste), 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/4 cup fresh lime juice. If you want extra heat, add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.

Blend on medium-high for about a minute until semi-smooth. It’s fine if small bits of pepper remain — they add smoky chipotle flavor throughout.

Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours. After cooking, your kitchen will smell amazing.

Remove the roast and shred it with two forks, discarding extra fat. The meat will be tender and packed with flavor.

Finishing Beef Barbacoa

Preheat your broiler and line a large baking sheet with foil. Spread the shredded beef on the sheet, drizzle with a couple of large spoonfuls of the reserved sauce, and broil for 3–4 minutes. Watch closely — the goal is to get crisp, golden tips without burning. This step adds texture and seals in the juices.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. If you like cilantro, add plenty; if not, skip it.

How to Make a Beef Barbacoa Burrito

Now build your burrito. Traditional suggestions often call for cilantro-lime rice, but I prefer Mexican rice with this barbacoa. Use whichever rice you enjoy. For fillings we used cilantro-lime rice, black beans, grated cheese, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and sour cream. The toppings are flexible — set out a toppings bar and let everyone customize their burritos.

Warm tortillas, place your fillings, fold the ends in, and roll. Wrap each burrito in foil to hold it together and keep it warm — perfect for serving or taking to go.

These burritos are hearty and satisfying on their own. Let guests assemble their own for a fun, casual meal — great for a Cinco de Mayo gathering or an easy weeknight dinner for busy families.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs beef brisket or beef chuck
• 3–4 chipotle chiles in adobo
• 1 1/4 cups beef broth
• 4 tsp minced garlic
• 1 1/2 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• Hot sauce, optional
• Cilantro to garnish

Instructions

1. In a blender, combine the chipotle chiles, beef broth, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Blend on medium until semi-smooth.
2. Place the beef in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
3. Remove the beef from the cooker and shred it with forks, discarding excess fat.
4. Spread the shredded beef on a foil-lined baking sheet, drizzle with a couple of large spoonfuls of the remaining sauce, and broil for 3–4 minutes until the tips are golden and slightly crisp.
5. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with tortillas, rice, beans, cheese, guacamole, and other favorite burrito toppings.

Nutrition (per burrito)

Calories: 981 kcal; Carbohydrates: 16 g; Protein: 87 g; Fat: 61 g; Saturated Fat: 23 g; Cholesterol: 300 mg; Sodium: 1478 mg; Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 3 g.

Thanks for stopping by. This beef barbacoa is a simple, tasty recipe that works great for family meals, gatherings, or a quick make-ahead dinner. Enjoy!