Name: Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 3 lb beef chuck roast, cut into chunks; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 bay leaves; 3 cloves garlic; ½ cup beef broth; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo; 2 tbsp adobo sauce; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp smoked paprika

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 56 reviews

If you’re craving rich, melt-in-your-mouth beef with a bold, smoky kick, let me introduce you to the game changer: the Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe. This dish brings together tender, perfectly seasoned beef with layers of flavor from chipotle peppers, cumin, and smoky paprika. What makes it truly special is how effortlessly the Instant Pot transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, dish-ready feast that’s ideal for tacos, burritos, or even hearty bowls. Once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for quick, crowd-pleasing meals packed with authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a step-by-step cooking process with six frames. The first frame displays eight pieces of raw red meat evenly placed on a white tray lined with white paper, on a white marbled surface. The second frame shows three pieces of seared meat inside a metal pot, one held by tongs with a brown crust. The third frame has the eight meat pieces now well browned on the white tray with white paper. The fourth frame shows the browned meat inside the pot with an orange sauce being poured over it from a glass container. The fifth frame features the meat pieces fully covered in the orange sauce inside the pot. The sixth frame shows shredded meat on the white tray with white paper, with a woman's hand using two forks to pull the meat apart, revealing brown shredded layers with some chunks intact. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe lies in its straightforward, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the aromatic spices to the tangy vinegar and rich beef broth, every element brings a unique texture and depth, ensuring a well-rounded and irresistible flavor profile.

3 lb beef chuck roast, cut into chunks: This cut becomes incredibly tender and juicy when pressure cooked.
1 tbsp olive oil: Used for browning the beef to develop fantastic flavor.
3 cloves garlic: Adds a fresh, pungent aroma to the sauce.
½ cup beef broth: Provides moisture and a savory base for the cooking liquid.
¼ cup apple cider vinegar: Brings a bright acidity that balances the richness perfectly.
2 chipotle peppers in adobo: Smoked and spicy, they give the dish its signature smoky heat.
2 tbsp adobo sauce: Enhances the smoky flavor and adds a subtle spicy kick.
1 tbsp ground cumin: Offers earthy warmth and depth.
1 tbsp dried oregano: Adds a touch of herbal brightness.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky, slightly sweet undertone.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
2 bay leaves: Provide a subtle aromatic layer during cooking.

How to Make Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Beef

The first step sets the foundation for flavor. Season your beef chuck roast chunks generously with salt and black pepper. Then, set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode, add olive oil, and brown the beef on all sides. This caramelization step builds a deep, rich flavor that will shine through in the finished dish.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Sauce

While the beef is browning or once you’ve removed it, blend together garlic, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika until smooth. This smoky, spicy sauce is the heart of the Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe, infusing the meat with layers of authentic Mexican flair.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Pour the prepared sauce over the browned beef inside the Instant Pot, making sure the chunks are evenly coated. Toss in the bay leaves to add subtle herbal notes. Seal the lid tightly and set the pressure cooker to High Pressure for 60 minutes. This is where the magic happens, transforming the beef into tender barbacoa.

Step 4: Natural Pressure Release and Shred

Once the cooking time finishes, allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes to keep the beef perfectly moist. Remove the lid, discard the bay leaves, and shred the beef right in the Instant Pot using two forks. Toss the shredded meat well with the flavorful cooking juices to maximize taste and juiciness.

How to Serve Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe

Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A perfectly cooked barbacoa deserves equally vibrant garnishes. Fresh cilantro, diced white onions, a squeeze of lime, and crumbled queso fresco are classic toppings that bring freshness and texture contrast to every bite. Don’t forget some sliced jalapeños if you want a little extra heat.

Side Dishes

Pair your barbacoa beef with sides that complement its bold flavors. Mexican rice, refried beans, or street-style corn elote with cotija cheese make for traditional and delicious accompaniments. You can also serve it on a bed of greens for a lighter, low-carb bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

This Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe is incredibly versatile. Besides tacos or burritos, try layering it in nachos with melted cheese, mixing into quesadillas, or even stuffing into baked potatoes for a hearty meal. It also works wonderfully in breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs for a savory start to the day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover barbacoa beef keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep this dish longer, the shredded beef freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best results when reheating, warm the barbacoa in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave leftovers covered to prevent drying out, stirring halfway through heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

While beef chuck roast is ideal for barbacoa because of its marbling and texture, you can also use brisket or short ribs. Just ensure enough fat is present to keep the meat moist during pressure cooking.

How spicy is this Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe?

The heat level depends on how many chipotle peppers you use. Two peppers give a medium smoky heat, but you can adjust according to your spice tolerance—add more for a kick or less for mild flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and check labels on the adobo sauce.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

You can! Brown the beef and blend the sauce as described, then cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is shredded and tender.

What are the best toppings for barbacoa tacos?

Classic toppings include cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges, and salsa roja. Avocado slices or guacamole add creaminess, and pickled jalapeños give a nice tangy contrast.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe enough if you want to impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s a warm, comforting dish that comes together quickly yet tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again for gatherings, weeknight dinners, and meal prep alike. Give it a whirl—you’re going to love it!

Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need