If you’ve been looking for a way to up your taco game, meet your new favorite recipe – Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef. This dish is a flavor-packed, tender, and juicy beef that melts in your mouth, originating from Mexican cuisine. Traditionally slow-cooked, Barbacoa gets its rich depth of flavor from a mix of smoky, tangy, and spicy seasonings. The best part? With the help of your Instant Pot, you can enjoy all the authentic taste in a fraction of the time.
Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or simply served over rice, Barbacoa is a versatile recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The Instant Pot makes it weeknight-friendly while keeping all the bold flavors intact. Get ready to bring restaurant-quality Mexican food straight to your home!
Ingredients You'll Need:
Serves 6-8
For the beef:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 3-inch chunks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
For the sauce:
- 3-4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (juice of 2-3 limes)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Optional for serving:
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced onions
- Queso fresco or shredded cheese
- Guacamole or sour cream
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef chuck roast. Cut it into large chunks, roughly 3 inches in size. This helps the beef cook evenly and soak in all the delicious flavors. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2. Sear the Meat:
Switch your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode, and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the beef in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step is important for building flavor, so don’t skip it! Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
While still in “Sauté” mode, add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Next, add the chipotle peppers, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, ground cloves, and salt. Pour in the beef broth or water and stir everything together. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – this adds tons of flavor!
4. Pressure Cook:
Return the beef to the Instant Pot, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Secure the lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Cook on “Manual” (or Pressure Cook) mode for 60 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes before switching the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining steam.
5. Shred the Beef:
Carefully remove the beef from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the Instant Pot, tossing it in the sauce so it absorbs even more flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the Barbacoa beef to your favorite serving dish and drizzle some extra sauce over the top. Serve in warm tortillas with fresh cilantro, onions, and your favorite toppings, or make a hearty burrito bowl with rice, beans, and veggies.
Tips for the Best Barbacoa Beef:
Choose the right cut: Beef chuck roast is ideal for this recipe because it becomes tender and flavorful after pressure cooking. Brisket or beef shoulder can also work.
Adjust the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with 2 chipotle peppers instead of 3-4. You can always add more to taste later.
Reheat like a pro: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store the beef in its sauce to keep it moist, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Amp up the flavors: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a small piece of cinnamon stick to the sauce for an unexpected depth of flavor.
Variations:
- Barbacoa Tacos: Stuff tortillas with Barbacoa beef, top with pickled red onions, and serve with a squeeze of lime.
- Barbacoa Bowls: Layer the beef over cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and fresh veggies for a hearty bowl.
- Low-carb option: Serve the Barbacoa in lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens for a keto-friendly meal.
This Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef recipe is a breeze to make and offers rich, authentic flavors in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or looking for a meal-prep hero, this dish has got you covered. Grab your Instant Pot and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
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