Barbacoa Tacos

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Here’s a delicious recipe for Barbacoa Tacos—tender, flavorful beef cooked with spices and slow-cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. These tacos are perfect for a satisfying meal!

Barbacoa Tacos

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast or brisket, cut into large chunks
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (or more for extra heat)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (or juice of 1 lime)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sliced radishes (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the barbacoa:
    • In a large slow cooker or pressure cooker, combine the beef chunks, chopped onion, garlic, diced green chilies, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, cloves, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. Add the beef broth and season with salt and pepper.
    • If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or until the beef is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
    • If using a pressure cooker (Instant Pot), set it to cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
  2. Shred the beef:
    • Once the beef is cooked and tender, remove it from the cooker and shred it using two forks. If you want the meat to be more saucy, return the shredded beef to the cooking liquid and stir to coat.
  3. Assemble the tacos:
    • Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
    • Spoon the shredded barbacoa onto each tortilla.
  4. Garnish and serve:
    • Garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and a squeeze of lime juice.
    • Optionally, top with your favorite taco toppings like diced onions, salsa, or avocado.

Optional Variations:

  • Spicy kick: Add extra chipotle peppers or jalapeños to increase the heat.
  • Toppings: Customize with queso fresco, sour cream, guacamole, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace the beef with jackfruit for a plant-based version of barbacoa.

These Barbacoa Tacos are packed with smoky, tender beef and perfect for taco night!

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