What is Barbacoa Beef?
If you’ve never eaten barbacoa before, it’s essentially slow cooked beef that’s been flavored with a mixture of herbs, spices, and chiles. I used a trimmed boneless beef chuck roast in this Instant Pot recipe. Barbacoa beef made in an Instant Pot is ready in about 1 hour. In traditional preparations of barbacoa, multiple different parts of the beef head were used, as well as sheep or goat, but we’re not going down those roads with this recipe. Slap it in some warmed corn tortillas, top with a squirt of lime juice, cilantro, and red onions, and you have tacos to-die-for. The whole family is going to love these tacos and you don’t have to dig a hole and let the meat cook for 12 hours, which is traditionally how barbacoa was made. Just use your Instant Pot!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Barbacoa
To make this beef barbacoa in your Instant Pot, you’ll need:
Beef stock White onion Garlic Canned green chiles Chipotles in adobo sauce Lime juice Apple cider vinegar Dried herbs and spices Olive oil Boneless beef chuck
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef
This is an overview how to make this glorious beef barbacoa. Make sure to see the recipe card below for more details.
More Mexican Recipes Using Beef:
ALL OF MY MEXICAN RECIPES! In the Freezer: This recipe will keep airtight in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Barbacoa beef freezes incredibly well. Just be sure to sure freeze it with some of the juices from the meat so it doesn’t dry out. To Reheat: I use my microwave for quickness and ease and reheat my leftovers for about 30 seconds on high, or as needed. Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Baked Cheese and Beef Taquitos — Craving Mexican food? Make these EASY taquitos made with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and baked to crispy perfection! Mexican Beef Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad — These fast and easy beef meatballs are packed with protein, coated in enchilada sauce, and are loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors! Great for busy weeknight dinners or easy-breezy entertaining! One Skillet Beef Taco Pasta – An easy recipe that’s ready in 20 minutes, made in one skillet, and loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors! A family favorite that’s great for busy weeknights! Loaded Beef Taco Salad with Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing — Loaded with your favorite taco fixings, minus the shells, to keep things healthier without sacrificing any flavor! The dressing is easy, creamy and irresistible! Easy 30-Minute Southwestern Beef Skillet — Easy, family friendly, ready in 30 minutes, and comfort food at its best! Ground beef, pasta, black beans, tomatoes, taco seasoning, and cheese for a Southwestern flair! Steak Fajita Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing — 🥗🍅🥑🌶️ Tastes like your favorite steak fajitas, but in fresh and crisp salad form! Mouth-watering sliced sirloin steak, crisp bell peppers, onions, and juicy tomatoes are layered over a bed of lettuce to really level-up your salad game! Steak Quesadillas – 🌮🥩🧀 Stuffed to the max with juicy strips of steak, peppers and onions, and plenty of melted cheese, these EASY quesadillas are a family FAVORITE!
