Name: Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 small white onion, peeled; 6 cloves garlic; 3 chipotle chilies in adobo (or more, to taste); 1½ tablespoons ground cumin; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup fresh lime juice; ¾ cup beef broth or water; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 pounds beef chuck roast, all fat trimmed, cut into 8 portions; 3 bay leaves; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 21 reviews

There is nothing quite like the rich, tender, and smoky flavors packed into this Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or planning a festive gathering, this dish delivers that authentic Mexican barbacoa experience with incredible ease and speed thanks to the Instant Pot. Every bite brings together the warmth of spices, the brightness of lime, and the subtle heat of chipotle, all perfectly melding with melt-in-your-mouth beef. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to for satisfying cravings and impressing friends!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image showing a large pile of shredded, cooked meat with a rich brown color and fibrous texture, spread evenly in a white tray. The meat strands vary in size, with some thicker chunks and many thin, stringy pieces interwoven, creating a textured surface. The white tray contrasts with the dark brown meat, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that work together to create incredible depth and complexity of flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the aromatic cumin and oregano to the tangy lime juice and smoky chipotle chilies, balancing taste, texture, and color beautifully.

1 small white onion peeled: Adds natural sweetness and a savory base when pureed with spices.
6 cloves garlic: Infuses pungent, aromatic notes essential for authentic Mexican flavor.
3 chipotle chilies in adobo: Bring smoky heat, perfectly customizable to your preferred spiciness level.
1½ tablespoons ground cumin: Gives a warm, earthy undertone that’s signature to barbacoa dishes.
1 tablespoon dried oregano: Lends herbaceous depth and balances the richness of the beef.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves: A secret touch that adds subtle complexity without overpowering.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds bright acidity to tenderize the beef and lift flavors.
¼ cup fresh lime juice: Brings a fresh, zesty tang that brightens every bite.
¾ cups beef broth or water: Creates the perfect cooking liquid to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Necessary for a good sear, locking in juices and caramelizing the beef.
3 pounds beef chuck roast: Choose well-marbled beef trimmed of fat and cut into even chunks for consistent tenderness.
3 bay leaves: Impart a subtle aromatic layer that complements the deep spicing.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.

How to Make Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by blending the onion, garlic, chipotle chilies, cumin, oregano, ground cloves, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and beef broth in a food processor until smooth. This vibrant sauce is the heart of your barbacoa, combining smokiness, acidity, and spice to infuse every bite of beef with unforgettable flavor.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Beef

Pat your beef chunks dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Using your Instant Pot’s sauté function, heat the vegetable oil and sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. This step builds a rich caramelized crust that seals in juices and adds depth to the final dish. Don’t forget to deglaze the pot with a little water, scraping off those flavorful browned bits before proceeding.

Step 3: Cook the Beef Under Pressure

Place the seared beef back into the Instant Pot and pour the pureed sauce over it, making sure the meat is well coated. Add bay leaves, seal the lid, and set to pressure cook on high for 60 minutes. The pressure and steam work their magic here, breaking down the connective tissues in the chuck roast to give you that tender, shreddable texture that’s impossible to resist.

Step 4: Shred and Soak

Once cooking is complete, release the steam quickly and carefully open the lid. Remove the beef and discard the bay leaves. Use two forks to shred the meat finely, then return it to the sauce in the pot allowing it to soak up all that incredible barbacoa juice for an extra burst of flavor and juiciness.

How to Serve Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe

The image shows six small photos arranged in a grid, each showing a step of cooking beef. In the first photo, seven pieces of raw red beef are spread on a white tray. The second photo shows two beef pieces being browned inside a metal pot, held by metal tongs. The third photo has the beef pieces browned and placed on a white tray with some white paper underneath. The fourth photo shows the browned beef inside the pot with a thick orange sauce being poured over it from a glass container. In the fifth photo, the beef is now covered in sauce and sitting in the pot with a reddish-brown liquid. The sixth photo shows shredded beef on a white tray with a woman's hand using two forks to pull the meat apart. The background in all photos is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe is a celebration of textures and fresh toppings. Fresh cilantro, diced white onion, sliced radishes, and a squeeze of lime add brightness and crunch, perfectly offsetting the tender beef. For a creamy touch, dollop some sour cream or avocado slices on top.

Side Dishes

Classic accompaniments like warm corn or flour tortillas immediately come to mind, creating perfect handheld tacos. To round out the meal, consider serving with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad. The hearty beef pairs beautifully with these sides, making every bite feel balanced and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Use this Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe to stuff burritos, layer nachos, or even top a loaded baked potato. It also makes an amazing filling for savory empanadas or enchiladas topped with melted cheese and a drizzle of crema. The versatility means you can enjoy barbacoa in countless delicious ways beyond the traditional taco.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your feast, store any leftover barbacoa beef in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to one week, making it perfect for quick lunches or last-minute dinners.

Freezing

If you want to save barbacoa for longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the beef and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a ready-made meal that still tastes fresh and flavorful.

Reheating

Reheat your barbacoa gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Warm it slowly to retain tenderness and avoid drying out the meat. This way, every bite remains just as delicious as when first cooked.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe?

While beef chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, you can use other cuts like brisket or short ribs. Keep in mind, cooking times might vary slightly to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How spicy is this barbacoa recipe?

The heat level depends largely on how many chipotle chilies you use. This recipe features three chipotles for moderate heat, but you can adjust to your preference. For milder flavor, substitute chipotles with chili powder as suggested.

Can I make this Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe without an Instant Pot?

Definitely! You can slow-cook the beef on low for 6-8 hours or simmer gently on the stove until tender. However, the Instant Pot reduces the cooking time and concentrates flavors wonderfully.

What can I do with leftover barbacoa beef besides tacos?

Leftovers are perfect for quesadillas, burritos, salads, or even as a topping on nachos. You can also mix it into scrambled eggs for a flavorful breakfast twist.

Do I need to peel the chipotle chilies before blending?

No need to peel the chipotles, but drain the adobo sauce if you want to control spice levels. Including some adobo sauce adds tangy richness and extra smoky flavor to the barbacoa sauce.

Final Thoughts

Making this Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe is like inviting a warm Mexican fiesta into your kitchen, effortlessly and deliciously. Its rich layers of spice, tender shredded beef, and bright citrus notes come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and fall in love with this flavorful classic just like I have!

Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need