Chipotle Barbacoa
Chipotle Barbacoa made with tender beef chuck roast, chipotle peppers, lime, garlic, and warm spices. Slow-cooked to perfection for bold, smoky flavor.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 2 pound beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 4 to 6 pieces
- 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- ⅓ cup apple cider
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic peeled (or more, to taste)
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 serrano chile pepper chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper optional, or to taste
- 2 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 bay leaves
Instructions
Sear the Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over low heat, gradually increasing to medium-high. Place the beef pieces in the hot oil and sear for approximately 10 seconds on each side, until browned. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, apple cider, lime juice, garlic, cumin, serrano pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and ground cloves. Blend until smooth.
Assemble in Slow Cooker:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, chopped onion, and bay leaves. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef becomes fork-tender and easily shreds.
Shred and Serve:
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker. Stir to evenly coat the shredded beef with the sauce. Remove and discard the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
To make this Chipotle Barbacoa gluten-free, substitute the chicken broth with a certified gluten-free variety and ensure that the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are gluten-free as some brands may contain wheat-based stabilizers. Serve with gluten-free tortillas or over rice for a completely gluten-free meal.