Hey y’all! If you’re in the mood for something with a bit of heat and a whole lotta flavor, then you’ve got to try this Chipotle Barbacoa recipe. It’s tender, juicy, and packed with that smokiness and spice that makes barbacoa such a crowd-pleaser. The best part? You can use our grass-fed beef from Permaculture Pastures in Sunset, Texas, making it not only mouthwateringly delicious but also a healthy choice for your family.
Now, this recipe requires a little patience, but trust me, it’s worth every second. Slow-cooked beef, tender enough to shred, served up with all the right sauces and sides? It’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re planning a casual taco night or want to feed a crowd, this barbacoa will have your family and friends coming back for more.
Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe
Ingredients:
• 3-4 lbs grass-fed beef chuck roast (our best from Permaculture Pastures)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (for that smoky, spicy kick)
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Sear the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Sear the roast on all sides until browned and caramelized—about 4 minutes per side. Set the roast aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add your diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the Spices and Chipotles
Add the chipotle peppers (including some of the adobo sauce for extra flavor), ground cumin, oregano, paprika, and cinnamon to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the Liquids
Pour in the beef broth and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine. Let the broth come to a simmer.
5. Cook the Barbacoa
Return the seared beef to the pot. Cover and place the Dutch oven in a preheated oven at 325°F. Let it cook low and slow for about 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low for 7-8 hours.
6. Shred the Beef
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the pot with all the juices and stir to combine.
7. Finish with Lime and Cilantro
Add lime juice to the beef and garnish with fresh cilantro. This brings a beautiful balance to the smoky, spicy flavors!
Side Dishes & Sauces to Pair with Your Chipotle Barbacoa
You can’t go wrong with pairing barbacoa with fresh, flavorful sides and sauces. Here are a few of my favorites to complement this dish:
1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
This sweet, smoky corn is the perfect companion to your barbacoa. Just grill some corn, slather it with mayo or Mexican crema, sprinkle with cotija cheese, and finish with a squeeze of lime. It’s a match made in heaven!
2. Mexican Rice
A simple, fragrant rice cooked with tomato sauce, onions, and garlic to create a flavorful base for your barbacoa. This side adds a bit of heartiness to the meal and absorbs all the delicious juices from the beef.
3. Homemade Guacamole
Avocado, lime, cilantro, and a bit of onion make for a creamy, tangy dip that pairs so well with the smoky heat of barbacoa. Just mash the avocado with a fork, add your mix-ins, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser.
4. Pickled Red Onions
The tangy crunch of pickled onions perfectly balances the richness of the barbacoa. Slice your onions thin, soak them in apple cider vinegar with a pinch of salt, a little sugar, and a few peppercorns. Let them marinate for a couple of hours in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to top your tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Serving Suggestions
• Tacos: Warm up some soft corn tortillas, stuff them with the tender, juicy barbacoa, and top with your pickled red onions, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
• Burrito Bowls: For a heartier meal, build yourself a burrito bowl with rice, beans, barbacoa, and all the fresh toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
• Salads: Add the barbacoa to a bed of lettuce for a light and healthy option, topped with your favorite salsa or a drizzle of creamy avocado dressing.
Why This Recipe is So Special:
When you use our grass-fed beef from Permaculture Pastures, you’re not only getting unbeatable flavor, but you’re also supporting a local, small farm in Sunset, Texas, dedicated to raising cattle in a regenerative, sustainable way. Our beef is naturally raised, with no hormones or antibiotics, so you’re feeding your family the best that the land has to offer.
So go ahead, gather up your ingredients, and get ready to make this chipotle barbacoa that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it in tacos, bowls, or over rice, you can’t go wrong with this flavorful, tender dish.
Happy cooking, y’all!
Addison Smith
Permaculture Pastures