Name: Pot Barbacoa Beef: 5 Steps to Tender Perfection
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 pound chuck roast (cut into 2″ cubes); 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 1 medium onion (chopped); 6 cloves garlic (roughly chopped); 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; ¼ cup lime juice (3-4 limes); ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 6 ounce lager beer (1/2 bottle, or 3/4 cup beef broth); 1 tablespoon cumin (ground); 1 tablespoon oregano (dried); ¼ teaspoon cloves (ground); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 3 bay leaves

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Pot Barbacoa Beef is a delightful Mexican-inspired dish that I absolutely adore. This Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef recipe creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a hearty main course. The beef is slow-cooked to perfection, ensuring every bite is tender and infused with rich spices and smoky chipotle. From the moment you begin sautéing the ingredients to the last delicious bite, you’ll find this dish transports you straight to a cozy Mexican kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Pot Barbacoa Beef

There are countless reasons to adore this Pot Barbacoa Beef. Here are just a few:

Rich, smoky flavor – thanks to chipotle peppers and spices.
Perfectly tender beef that melts in your mouth.
Quick cooking time with the Instant Pot.
Versatile use for tacos, burritos, or as a stand-alone dish.
Easy preparation and cleanup.
Gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy.

Can be enjoyed as a family meal or for meal prep.

This dish is truly an authentic barbacoa beef recipe that showcases the beauty of Mexican cuisine.

Ingredients for Pot Barbacoa Beef

Gather these items:

1-2 tablespoons olive oil
3 pound chuck roast (cut into 2″ cubes)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
1 medium onion (chopped)
6 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)

4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
¼ cup lime juice (3-4 limes)
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
6 ounce lager beer (1/2 bottle, or 3/4 cup beef broth)
1 tablespoon cumin (ground)
1 tablespoon oregano (dried)
¼ teaspoon cloves (ground)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 bay leaves

How to Make Pot Barbacoa Beef Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in your Instant Pot using the sauté setting. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the beef for 1-2 minutes on each side, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, until browned on all sides for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Add the chopped onion, garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, lager beer, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cloves, and brown sugar to a blender or food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth sauce, blending all the flavors together evenly.
Step 3: Pour the blended sauce over the seared beef cubes in the Instant Pot. Add the bay leaves and stir gently to ensure the beef is thoroughly coated. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, quickly release the pressure following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Take the cooked beef out of the pot, shred it finely using two forks, then return the shredded beef to the sauce in the pot. Stir well to combine and allow it to sit for 10 minutes so the flavors meld together before serving.

Pot Barbacoa Beef: 5 Steps to Tender Perfection - Pot Barbacoa Beef - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Pot Barbacoa Beef

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality beef for the best flavor and tenderness.
Don’t skip the searing step; it adds depth to the flavor.

Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers.
Let the beef rest in the sauce before serving for optimal flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Pot Barbacoa Beef

This dish is perfect for:

Making delicious barbacoa beef tacos topped with cilantro and onions.
Creating filling barbacoa beef burritos with your favorite toppings.
Serving over rice for a hearty meal.

How to Store and Reheat Pot Barbacoa Beef

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the beef in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. This recipe is perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pot Barbacoa Beef

What’s the secret to perfect Pot Barbacoa Beef?

The secret lies in the slow cooking process and the combination of spices. The Instant Pot helps achieve tender slow-cooked barbacoa beef in less time than traditional methods.

Can I make Pot Barbacoa Beef ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for several days. It tastes even better as the flavors meld together over time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pot Barbacoa Beef?

Ensure you sear the beef properly to lock in flavors. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even cooking and tenderness.

Variations of Pot Barbacoa Beef You Can Try

Consider these creative twists:

Use different cuts of beef, like brisket, for a unique flavor.
Add additional spices for a spicier spicy barbacoa beef.
Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers for added nutrition.

This Mexican barbacoa beef recipe is adaptable and can fit various diets and preferences!

Pot Barbacoa Beef: 5 Steps to Tender Perfection - Pot Barbacoa Beef - additional detail

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For additional insights on the benefits of slow cooking, you can refer to this article on Healthline.