Barbacoa Recipe (Easy Mexican Shredded Beef!)

Step 1

Combine seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the spice blend – paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder and coriander. Add 1 ¼ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 2

Season beef: Place the pieces of beef on a clean work surface. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the seasoning blend all over the beef. Use your hands to rub the spices into the beef.

Step 3

Sear beef: Heat 1 ½ tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the meat (in batches if necessary) and sear until well browned on all sides, about 8 minutes total. (If browning meat in batches, add more oil as needed.) Remove to a plate.

Step 4

Sauté vegetables: Reduce the heat under the now empty pot to medium and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil. Add the onions and season with a pinch of pepper and a generous pinch of salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and remaining seasoning blend. Cook, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomato paste and chopped chipotles. Cook, stirring constantly, until paste is caramelized, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Deglaze + add beef: Add the lime juice to deglaze the pan. Cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the adobo sauce, stock, picante sauce and bay leaf. Mix well to combine. Add the seared beef, along with any accumulated juices, to the pot.

Step 6

Cover + cook: Bring the contents to a simmer. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer covered for 3 – 3 ½ hours, or until the meat tender and begins to fall apart. For the best results, I recommend quickly stirring the beef every hour.

Step 7

Shred beef: Turn off the heat under the pot. Use tongs to remove and discard the bay leaf. Use two forks to shred the beef. (Alternatively, you can remove the beef to a cutting board, shred it and return it to pot.)

Step 8

Gently simmer to warm: Adjust the heat to low and gently simmer the meat for 10-15 minutes.

Step 9

Serve: Transfer beef to a serving dish. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Step 10

For tacos: Pile shredded cheese inside warmed corn tortillas and top with shredded beef. Finish with chopped veggies, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, guacamole and/or sour cream. Enjoy!