Authentic Beef Barbacoa
Authentic Beef Barbacoa
Main Course

Authentic Beef Barbacoa

★★★★★ 4.9 (481)

This tender and flavorful beef dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or gathering with friends. Slow-cooked with warm spices and a hint of citrus, it brings a delicious taste of traditional Mexican cuisine right to your table.

◷ 7 hr 40 min Total Time
♜ 4 Servings
▥ Hard Difficulty
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Ingredients

4 servings
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Instructions

1

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spread out the Anaheim and poblano peppers on top. Roast them until their skins are nicely charred and bubbly, which usually takes about 15 minutes.

2

Step 2

While the peppers are roasting, warm a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toss in the chipotle peppers and let them toast until you can really smell their smoky aroma, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add enough water to cover the peppers, turn the heat up to medium-high, and weigh them down with something heavy—like a smaller pot—to keep them submerged. Let them simmer gently until they’re tender, around 10 to 12 minutes.

3

Step 3

Once the roasted peppers are cool enough to handle, peel off their skins and remove the seeds. Chop them roughly and throw them in a blender along with the softened chipotles, garlic, and onion. Blend everything until it’s smooth and well combined.

4

Step 4

Next, pour the beef broth and beer into your slow cooker. Stir in the blended pepper mixture along with salt, cumin, black pepper, marjoram, and allspice. Cut a lime in half, squeeze the juice into the slow cooker, and toss in the lime halves for extra flavor. Nestle the beef roast into the mix.

5

Step 5

Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 5 hours. When it’s done, take the roast out and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and let it simmer for another 2 hours. When you’re ready, use tongs to serve it right from the slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is packed with rich, smoky flavors that come from slow-cooked beef and traditional spices. It offers a perfect balance of tenderness and bold taste, making it a comforting meal for any occasion. The depth of flavor improves the longer it sits, making it even better the next day.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with warm corn tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a classic taco experience. It also pairs well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad to balance the rich flavors.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked beef in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the meat tender and juicy.