• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Dinner » Chipotle Barbacoa

Published: June 2, 2022 Last Modified: June 2, 2022 By Sara 5 Comments

Chipotle Barbacoa

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
This Chipotle barbacoa is beef that is slow cooked in a smoky, savory sauce until it is fall-apart tender.
This Chipotle barbacoa is beef that is slow cooked in a smoky, savory sauce until it is fall-apart tender.
This Chipotle barbacoa is beef that is slow cooked in a smoky, savory sauce until it is fall-apart tender.

This Chipotle barbacoa is beef that is slow cooked in a smoky, savory sauce until it is fall-apart tender. A copy of the restaurant favorite that has tons of flavor and is perfect for burritos, tacos, nachos and other Mexican offerings.

When I’m in the mood for Mexican food, I turn to classics including easy chicken tinga, hearty charro beans and this Chipotle copycat recipe for barbacoa beef.

A platter of Chipotle barbacoa served with rice, beans and salsa.

When I eat at Chipotle, I always order the barbacoa beef. This slow cooked meat is tender, juicy and full of flavor! I decided it was time to learn how to make Chipotle barbacoa at home, and the end result was a spectacular meal.

Chipotle Barbacoa Ingredients

Bowls of different spices and seasonings, and a beef roast.

This dish contains beef and diced onions, as well as many different seasonings to create a savory and smoky sauce.

How do you make chipotle barbacoa?

Start by cutting a beef roast into large chunks, then place the meat in a pan and sear it to golden brown. Place the sauce ingredients including beef broth, chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic, spices and apple cider vinegar in a blender, then puree until smooth. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker along with the sauce. Cook on low heat until the meat is super tender. Shred with a fork, then you’re ready to eat and enjoy!

Process shots showing how to cut and sear beef and onions.

Tips for the perfect dish

  • Any well marbled beef roast will work for this recipe including chuck roast, rump roast, brisket, or beef shoulder.
  • This dish makes for great leftovers! The cooked meat will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 days, or can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • The heat level in this dish is moderate. If you prefer spicy food, you can add 1-2 more chipotle peppers. For a mild dish, just use one pepper and scrape out the seeds.
  • I really recommend taking the time to brown your meat before you put it in the slow cooker because this step adds a lot of flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and simply place the raw meat in the pot with the sauce.
Process shots showing how to make barbacoa sauce and meat in a slow cooker.

Recipe FAQs

What is the barbacoa at Chipotle made of?

This dish is made with a well marbled cut of beef, such as beef shoulder. The beef is coated in seasonings and slow cooked until it can be easily shredded. This dish gets its characteristic smoky flavor from the addition of canned chipotle peppers.

What is the difference between Chipotle steak and barbacoa?

Barbacoa is a soft, slow cooked tender beef that is served in shreds. Steak is a different cut of meat that is seared on a grill and cut into bite sized pieces.

What kind of meat is barbacoa?

In the United States, barbacoa is made with a tougher cut of beef that is slow cooked until tender. In Mexicao, this dish is often made with other types of meat including goat and lamb.

Chipotle barbacoa tacos topped with fresh salsa and cheese.

How to serve barbacoa

There are so many different ways to enjoy this shredded beef!

  • Burrito: Place the beef in a large flour tortilla along with black or pinto beans, cilantro lime rice, shredded cheese and salsa. You can also add other ingredients like guacamole or sour cream. For an extra special finish, place your folded burrito on a griddle to crisp up the sides, or else serve it with a topping of enchilada sauce and melted cheese.
  • Bowl: Layer Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice, beans, grilled peppers and onions, lettuce, salsa, barbacoa, sour cream, cheese and guacamole in a bowl, then serve and enjoy.
  • Nachos: Sprinkle shredded cheese over tortilla chips, then spoon the beef and some beans over the top. Bake or microwave until the cheese is melted, then add the toppings of your choice.
  • Tacos: Spoon the meat into flour or corn tortillas, along with lettuce, red onion, cilantro and cheese.
  • Enchiladas: Roll up the meat inside tortillas. Pour some enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish, then add the rolled tortillas on top. Pour more sauce over the tortillas, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling.
  • Quesadilla: Add shredded cheese and beef to a large flour tortilla. Fold in half, then cook on a griddle or in a skillet until the tortilla is golden brown on both sides. Serve with salsa, guacamole and sour cream.
  • Salad: Layer the beef onto shredded lettuce, then add beans, corn, fresh salsa, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and other other toppings you like.

It’s totally worth the effort to make your own Chipotle barbacoa at home, the flavor simply can’t be beat!

More Mexican style recipes you’ll enjoy

  • Salsa Verde
  • Mexican Rice
  • Homemade Enchilada Sauce
  • Instant Pot Carnitas
  • Cheese Enchiladas
A platter of Chipotle barbacoa served with rice, beans and salsa.
Print Pin
5 from 5 votes

Chipotle Barbacoa

This Chipotle barbacoa is beef that is slow cooked in a smoky, savory sauce until it is fall-apart tender. A copy of the restaurant favorite that has tons of flavor and is perfect for burritos, tacos, nachos and other Mexican offerings.
Course Main
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 386kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 pounds beef roast such as chuck, beef shoulder or brisket
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon garlic finely chopped
  • 2 canned chipotle peppers
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from can of peppers
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/4

    teaspoon

    ground cloves
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  • Cut the meat into 4 inch pieces. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat.
  • Add the meat to the pan in a single layer and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. You may need to work in batches.
  • Cook for 4 minutes per side or until deep golden brown.
  • Transfer the meat to a slow cooker. Add the onion to the pan and cook for 2-4 minutes or until softened.
  • Place the onion in the crock pot with the beef.
  • Add the apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, beef broth, lime juice, cumin, oregano and cloves to a blender. Blend until well combined.
  • Pour the sauce into the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves and stir to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or until meat is very tender. Shred the meat with two forks, then serve and enjoy.

Notes

  1. Any well marbled beef roast will work for this recipe including chuck roast, rump roast, brisket, or beef shoulder.
  2. The heat level in this dish is moderate. If you prefer spicy food, you can add 1-2 more chipotle peppers. For a mild dish, just use one pepper and scrape out the seeds.
  3. I really recommend taking the time to brown your meat before you put it in the slow cooker because this step adds a lot of flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and simply place the raw meat in the pot with the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 651mg | Potassium: 839mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 6mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Dinner, Slow Cooker

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Grilled Potatoes in Foil
    30 4th of July Recipes »

    Comments

    1. Claudia Lamascolo says

      June 14, 2022 at 1:39 am

      5 stars
      Everyone loved the flavors and it was a big hit will make this again so good!

      Reply
    2. Dannii says

      June 14, 2022 at 1:19 am

      5 stars
      All of my favourite flavours in this. I really want a burrito bowl now.

      Reply
    3. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

      June 14, 2022 at 1:09 am

      5 stars
      Love beef cooked like this and the flavours are amazing and so easy to make too.

      Reply
    4. Jill says

      June 13, 2022 at 10:03 pm

      5 stars
      So happy to get this recipe! I’m a long-time follower and your recipes are the best. Love the addition of process photos. So helpful. My Chipotle has been extra busy these last few months for some reason, so I’m excited to make my own at home and avoid the lines. Thank you!

      Reply
    5. veenaazmanov says

      June 13, 2022 at 6:48 pm

      5 stars
      This dish is bursting with flavors. Looks delicious and I love the combination described to relishing it.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Grilling Recipes

    This recipe for Greek lemon chicken is marinated chicken that's been grilled to perfection and topped with a bright and delicious tomato and olive relish. The perfect dish for entertaining! #MyNewSaturday #GoogleExpress #ad

    Greek Lemon Chicken

    Grilled lamb chops on a plate garnished with parsley and lemon.

    Grilled Lamb Chops

    Grilled zucchini on a serving plate topped with fresh parsley.

    Grilled Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs

    A pile of grilled chicken tenders topped with fresh herbs and garnished with lemon wedges.

    Grilled Chicken Tenders

    Steaks grilled, sitting in a pan of steak marinade and topped with butter.

    The BEST Steak Marinade

    Shish kabob made with beef, peppers and onions on a serving plate.

    Shish Kabob Recipe

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    Earthquake cake is a gooey delight loaded with chocolate, pecans and coconut.

    Earthquake Cake

    This recipe for lemon asparagus pasta combines tender asparagus and grilled chicken with pasta in a lemon cream sauce. It's a delicious and hearty entree that everyone will want seconds of!

    Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken

    This recipe for lemon pepper chicken with butter sauce is a simple recipe that's ready in just 20 minutes! The perfect dinner for a busy weeknight.

    Lemon Pepper Chicken

    A bowl of rice topped with Korean ground beef and mixed vegetables.

    Korean Beef Bowls

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food