Barbacoa Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)

If you’re craving that signature smoky, spicy shredded beef from your favorite burrito bowl, this simple barbacoa recipe (Chipotle copycat) is exactly what you need. Made with tender beef chuck roast, chipotle peppers in adobo, and a bold mix of Mexican spices, this easy barbacoa recipe captures the rich flavor of the original Chipotle barbacoa — but made fresh in your own kitchen.

Whether tucked inside a taco, layered into a burrito, or piled over cilantro-lime rice in a burrito bowl, this Chipotle beef barbacoa recipe is fall-apart tender and seriously packed with flavor. Plus, it's meal prep and freezer friendly, making it ideal for batch cooking.

🛒 Chipotle Barbacoa Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast or brisket: Cut into large 2-inch chunks.
• 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo + 2 tbsp adobo sauce: For deep smoky heat.
• 3 cloves garlic: Coarsely chopped.
• ½ cup beef broth: Or use bone broth for added richness.
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity to balance richness.
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice: Brightens the overall flavor.
• 2 tsp dried oregano: Mexican oregano preferred.
• 2 tsp ground cumin: A must for that earthy flavor.
• ¼ tsp ground cloves: Adds complexity and warmth.
• 1 tsp sea salt: Or to taste.
• ½ tsp ground black pepper: For seasoning.
• 2 bay leaves: For depth while slow cooking.

🧄 How to Make Beef Barbacoa (Slow Cooker Method)

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Step 1: Blend the Barbacoa Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the beef broth, chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, oregano, cumin, cloves, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Cut the beef chuck roast into 2-inch chunks and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Bay Leaves

Pour the blended sauce over the meat, ensuring it’s fully coated. Tuck the bay leaves between the meat chunks.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and easily shredded.

Step 5: Shred and Soak

Remove the bay leaves. Shred the beef with two forks and return it to the sauce to soak up all the flavor before serving.

💡 Tips for the Best Chipotle Barbacoa at Home

• Browning optional: Sear the beef in a skillet before slow cooking for extra flavor.
• Control the heat: Use 1 chipotle pepper for mild, or 3+ for spicier barbacoa.
• Balance the richness: Don’t skip lime juice or vinegar—they’re essential to brighten the dish.
• No blender? Finely mince the chipotles and garlic, then whisk with the remaining sauce ingredients.
• Extra juicy barbacoa? Add an extra splash of broth after shredding.

🧊 Storage and Freezing Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 4–6 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled barbacoa (with some of the sauce) in containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet, microwave, or oven until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed.
• Make-ahead tip: Blend the sauce up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to use.

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🌮 How to Serve Chipotle Barbacoa

• Burrito Bowls: Serve over cilantro-lime rice or cauliflower rice with black beans, corn salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
• Street Tacos or Lettuce Wraps: Use warm corn tortillas or romaine leaves, then top with avocado, pickled onions, and lime juice.
• Quesadillas or Enchiladas: Mix barbacoa with melty cheese or roll into tortillas with enchilada sauce and bake.
• Sandwiches or Sliders: Pile onto toasted buns with slaw and chipotle mayo for a smoky twist.

📌 Final Thoughts

This easy Chipotle barbacoa recipe delivers bold flavor, tender texture, and authentic spices all in one pot. It’s a foolproof favorite for anyone craving Mexican-inspired beef barbacoa at home — no trip to Chipotle required. Whether you're prepping for the week or serving a crowd, this slow-cooked shredded beef is a knockout every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make barbacoa with another cut of beef?

Yes, chuck roast or brisket are ideal, but shoulder roast works too.

→ Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with natural release.

→ Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely, freeze after shredding and cooling for up to 3 months.

→ Can I use fresh chiles instead of canned chipotle?

Chipotle in adobo gives the best flavor, but smoked paprika with a splash of hot sauce can work in a pinch.

→ What can I serve this barbacoa with?

Serve in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or over rice with toppings like cilantro, lime, and avocado.