What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade barbacoa recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a flavorful, tender dish with minimal effort. You’ll love how it brings the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen. First, the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender after slow cooking in a blend of spices and citrus. Second, it’s versatile—serve it in tacos, burritos, or even over rice for a hearty meal. Finally, it’s budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish!
Recipe
Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish featuring tender, slow-cooked meat, typically beef or lamb, seasoned with a rich blend of spices. This homemade version delivers deep, smoky flavors with a hint of heat, perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast or lamb shoulder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
- Trim excess fat from the meat and cut into large chunks.
- In a slow cooker or Dutch oven, combine garlic, onion, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, cloves, black pepper, salt, vinegar, beef broth, and bay leaves.
- Add the meat, ensuring it’s coated in the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (slow cooker) or 3–4 hours (Dutch oven at 300°F) until the meat shreds easily.
- Remove bay leaves, shred the meat, and stir in lime juice before serving.
Notes:
- For extra smokiness, add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
Equipment:
- Slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 8 hours (slow cooker) or 3–4 hours (Dutch oven)
Cuisine: Mexican
Serving: 6–8 servings
Nutrition
The nutrition information for homemade barbacoa is listed below. This recipe serves approximately six people.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving
Calories | 320
Total Fat | 18g
Saturated Fat | 6g
Cholesterol | 90mg
Sodium | 450mg
Total Carbohydrates | 8g
Dietary Fiber | 2g
Sugars | 1g
Protein | 28g
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade barbacoa with warm tortillas and fresh sides like cilantro-lime rice or charro beans. For toppings, I go all out with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to brighten up the rich flavors. Don’t forget a side of creamy guacamole or spicy salsa—it’s the perfect finishing touch!
Side Dishes
Since barbacoa’s rich, tender flavors shine best with the right pairings, let’s talk about side dishes that’ll make your meal unforgettable. I love serving it with cilantro-lime rice—it’s fresh, zesty, and balances the meat’s richness. Warm corn tortillas are a must for scooping up every bite, and charro beans add a smoky, hearty touch. A crisp cabbage slaw cuts through the richness, while roasted sweet potatoes bring a touch of sweetness. Don’t forget grilled elote—buttery, tangy, and slightly charred. These sides turn a simple barbacoa into a feast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Toppings Ideas
When you’ve got tender barbacoa ready to go, the right toppings can take it from great to unforgettable—trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way. Start with diced onions and fresh cilantro for a crisp, bright bite. A squeeze of lime adds zesty tang that cuts through the richness. Pickled jalapeños or radishes bring a spicy crunch, while creamy avocado slices smooth everything out. Don’t forget a drizzle of salsa verde or roja for extra flavor. Cheese lovers can sprinkle cotija or queso fresco on top. Trust me, these toppings make every bite irresistible. Ready to dig in? Same here.
