Homemade barbacoa is rich, deeply seasoned, and unbelievably tender, making it one of the most satisfying slow-cooked beef dishes you can prepare. Traditionally enjoyed on weekends and special occasions, barbacoa delivers bold Mexican flavor with minimal hands-on effort.
The magic happens during the long, slow cook. Beef chuck breaks down into juicy, fall-apart strands while soaking up a tangy marinade of vinegar, lime juice, garlic, and warm spices. Cloves and oregano add an earthy depth that sets barbacoa apart from other shredded beef recipes.
As the beef cooks, it creates its own intensely flavorful broth. Once shredded and stirred back into those juices, every bite becomes succulent and rich, perfect for piling onto tortillas or stuffing into burritos.
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This recipe is incredibly versatile and ideal for meal prep. Serve it fresh and juicy, or crisp it lightly in a skillet for irresistible caramelized edges. Either way, this barbacoa delivers authentic comfort and unforgettable flavor.
Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 hours
Total time: 6–8 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 lb beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
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