Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa
Make restaurant-quality Chipotle Barbacoa at home with this copycat recipe. Tender shredded beef with smoky chipotle flavors, ready in one pot.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 0.5 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- 1
Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels and season all sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 3
Brown the beef roast on all sides for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms, then set aside on a plate.
- 4
In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- 5
Pour the chipotle mixture into the pot with the browned beef, then add beef broth, diced onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, and honey.
- 6
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and transfer to a preheated 325°F oven.
- 7
Cook for 6-8 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the meat is submerged and the braising liquid is gently simmering.
- 8
Remove the pot from the oven and carefully shred the beef using two forks, pulling the meat apart into bite-sized pieces directly in the pot.
- 9
Discard the bay leaves and any large pieces of onion, then stir the shredded beef to combine thoroughly with the cooking liquid.
- 10
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne to reach your desired flavor profile.
- 11
If the mixture appears too wet, simmer uncovered on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes to reduce excess liquid until the barbacoa reaches a saucy consistency.
- 12
Serve immediately in bowls, burritos, or tacos with your favorite toppings such as cilantro, lime, onion, and cotija cheese.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| beef chuck roast | grass-fed or pasture-raised beef chuck roast | Grass-fed beef contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which have anti-inflammatory properties and better support heart health. |
| olive oil | avocado oil | Avocado oil has a higher smoke point (520°F vs 375°F) and contains more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds than olive oil. |
| honey | blackstrap molasses or pure maple syrup | Both alternatives contain higher mineral content (iron, calcium, potassium) and have lower glycemic indices than honey, providing steadier blood sugar response. |
| low-sodium beef broth | homemade bone broth or low-sodium vegetable broth with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar | Bone broth provides collagen, gelatin, and amino acids that support gut health and reduce inflammation; adds nutritional depth. |
| regular salt | sea salt or Himalayan pink salt with reduced quantity by 0.25 tsp | These salts contain trace minerals and have lower sodium concentrations, reducing overall sodium intake while maintaining flavor. |
| adobo sauce from canned peppers | homemade adobo sauce using fresh chipotle peppers, tomato paste, vinegar, and spices | Homemade sauce eliminates added sugars and preservatives found in commercial versions while allowing control over sodium and flavor intensity. |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 495 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 165mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 60g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
