Beef Barbacoa Recipe (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot) (2024)

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This Beef Barbacoa Recipe, made in either the Slow Cooker or Instant Pot, is so flavorful and versatile. This barbacoa meat is perfect for tacos, meal prep bowls, served with rice or cauliflower rice.

Beef Barbacoa Recipe

My go-to dinner when I’m serving a crowd is almost always tacos. And this Beef Barbacoa recipe is the easiest way to get delicious, hearty, taco meat on the table.It’s easy to throw together, affordable, and everybody loves it. You can make it in either the slow cooker or Instant Pot. This barbacoa meat also works great for meal prep for a variety of meals. Serve over a bed of lettuce for a taco salad, or over rice with some veggies for a taco bowl.

How to Make Instant Pot Barbacoa:

1. In a small bowl whisk together the spices and then rub them all over the beef.
2. Sear the meat on all sides.
3. Add in the remaining ingredients to make the sauce and cook onhigh pressure for 50 minutes with a natural release.
4. Once done, shred with two forks and serve as desired.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa:

1. Preheat broiler.
2. In a small bowl whisk together the spices and then rub them all over the beef.
3. Sear the meat on all sides under the broiler.
4. Meanwhile, add diced tomato, chiles, onion, garlic, vinegar, maple syrup, salt and pepper to a large slow cooker. Add in the seared beef and cook on low for 7-8 hours.
5. Once done, shred and use as desired.

How to Make Barbacoa Meat on the Stove Top or Oven:

Don’t have an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker? You can still make this barbacoa recipe, using the same idea of cooking this low and slow. On the stovetop, use a dutch oven and follow the same directions to sear the meat on all sides. Then, add all your ingredients, cover, and cook on low on the stove until the meat is tender and falling apart, about 3-4 hours.

For the oven, sear the meat in a dutch oven. Once you’ve added all the ingredients, place in a preheated 300ºF for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling apart.

What Kind of Meat is Barbacoa?

This recipe calls for buying beef to make the barbacoa meat. You want to use a piece of beef that has a nice amount of fat marbling and that can withstand a long cook time in the slow cooker and pressure cooker. For this recipe use:

• Chuck roast
• Beef shoulder
• Brisket

Barbacoa Taco Toppings:

• Tortillas (not a topping, but a must!)
• Shredded Cheddar
• Diced Tomatoes
• Sliced Pickled Jalapeños
• Shredded Lettuce
• Chopped Scallions
• Avocado Slices
• Fresh Lime Wedges
• Fresh Cilantro
• Hot Sauce

Sides to Serve with Barbacoa Meat:

• Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Restaurant-Style Blender Salsa
• Easiest Taco Slaw Ever
• White Rice or Cauliflower Rice
• Refried Beans

Watch the Video Here:

If you like this beef barbacoa recipe, try these other recipes:

• Slow Cooker Carne Asada
• Thai Curry Chicken
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
• Instant Pot Pho