Homemade Barbacoa

Homemade Barbacoa

Tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for bowls, tacos, wraps, or meal prep all week long.

What they are

This recipe is all about big flavor and easy prep. The beef slow-cooks until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, soaking up smoky chipotle and rich tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that basically cooks itself while making your kitchen smell unreal. Once it’s done, you can use it for anything — tacos, wraps, bowls, or even stuffed peppers.

Why You'll Love It

You’ll love this one because it’s rich, versatile, and full of flavor. It takes minimal effort but delivers that slow-cooked, restaurant-level payoff. You get tender, spicy beef that you can use all week long in a bunch of different ways.

🥗 Slow-cooked and flavorful – juicy, tender beef packed with smoky spice.

⏱️ Easy meal prep – makes enough for several days of meals.

💪 High in protein – keeps you full and fueled for whatever’s next.

What Makes it Work

This recipe is built for flavor and balance. The beef brings the protein that keeps you full, while the slow-cooked sauce adds richness and depth without being heavy. The mix of chipotle, garlic, and tomato gives it that smoky heat that hits just right, and a little sumac and lemony spice brighten it up. It’s hearty, high in protein, and perfect for easy meals that still feel fresh and exciting.

Ingredients Swaps and Additions

You can use brisket or short ribs instead of chuck roast if you want a richer cut. For less heat, skip the chipotle peppers and add a little smoked paprika instead. You can also use the same base sauce for chicken or turkey if you prefer something lighter.

What to Serve With This

This beef goes with just about anything. Serve it over Kaizen rice, in tacos, or wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. It’s also great with roasted veggies, stuffed into peppers, or tossed into a salad with avocado and lime.

FAQS

This beef goes with just about anything. Serve it over Kaizen rice, in tacos, or wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. It’s also great with roasted veggies, stuffed into peppers, or tossed into a salad with avocado and lime.

How to Store

Store the shredded beef and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until warm, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Homemade Barbacoa

Tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for bowls, tacos, wraps, or meal prep all week long.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7–10 hours
Total Time: ~7.5 to 10.5 hours

INGREDIENTS

For the Beef:

4 lbs chuck roast (or any beef)
1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tbsp turmeric
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 tbsp sumac
1 tbsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp cumin
1 tbsp garlic powder
3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Sauce:

1 large yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 tbsp avocado or olive oil (for sautéing)
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 tbsp adobo sauce from the can
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

1.5 bags Kaizen Rice, cooked according to package directions

DIRECTIONS

Season: Massage chuck roast with oil, salt, pepper, turmeric, cayenne, sumac, thyme, cumin, garlic powder, and minced garlic. Let sit for 15 minutes.
In a pan, sauté diced onion and garlic in 1 tbsp oil until translucent. Set aside.
In the same pan, sear each side of the beef for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. You just want a good sear, not to cook it through.
In a slow cooker, add sautéed onions, tomato sauce, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, bay leaves, and seasoning. Stir, then nestle in the beef. Cover and cook on high for 6–8 hours.
Remove beef and shred it. Blend the sauce until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker and cook on low for 1–2 more hours.
Use in burrito bowls, tacos, wraps, or salads throughout the week.

Optional Bowl Idea: Kaizen rice, chipotle beef, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, cucumber, avocado, and pickled red onions.