The Best Beef Barbacoa

beef chuck

🥗Healthier: leaner cuts of beef

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Pork shoulder is often less expensive and can provide a similar texture.

chipotle peppers

🥗Healthier: smoked paprika

💰Cheaper: canned jalapeños

Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor without the heat, while canned jalapeños are usually cheaper.

Soak 2 dried guajillo and 2 ancho chili peppers in water for 1-4 hours.

Season the 4-pound chuck roast with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat.

Sear the beef on both sides until browned.

Remove the stems and seeds from the softened chilies and place them in a blender.

Add 1 chipotle in adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 3 minced cloves of garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the blender.

Add 2 tablespoons of oil and 1/4 cup of water to the blender and blend until smooth.

Preheat the oven to 300°F.

Pour the blended sauce over the seared beef and cover.

Braise in the preheated oven for at least 3 hours until the beef is tender and falling apart.

Serve the shredded beef on warm corn tortillas.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: