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Have you ever had the barbacoa beef at Chipotle? Their chicken is delicious, the fajita veggies are mouth-watering and I love the Mexican chorizo, but the Chipotle barbacoa? I’d say it’s the best of all (especially if you spring for the guacamole). If you’ve ever had it, you know. I bet you’ve wondered if it’s possible to cook slow cooker barbacoa meat at home, too. Good news: This beef barbacoa recipe is incredibly easy (just as easy as making pulled pork or fall-off-the-bone Instant Pot beef short ribs), and made with just ten common ingredients.
If you didn’t adore your Crock Pot before, you will once you make this Crock Pot barbacoa beef in it! It’s one of my favorite Chipotle copycat recipes and one of the best Mexican beef recipes I’ve ever made.
What Is Barbacoa?
Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican cooked meat with spices that is tender, flavorful, and usually served shredded as a filling or topping. Traditionally, a variety of meats can be used to make Mexican barbacoa — including beef (typically chuck roast or brisket), goat, or lamb.
Making authentic barbacoa beef requires three things: the right meat, the proper spices, and time to cook it so that the flavors develop. Traditional Mexican spices are combined with peppers in adobo, lime, and broth to make a marinade that slow cooks with the meat, while the long cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender and juicy.
What Does Barbacoa Taste Like?
Barbacoa meat tastes like tender, slow cooked shredded beef cooked in an adobo sauce with loads of flavorful Mexican spices. In other words, it tastes delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Barbacoa Recipe
- Rich Mexican flavor with just the right amount of spice
- Juicy, melt-in-your-mouth, tender texture
- Super easy to make
- Just 10 minutes prep time
- Endless ways to serve it (see ideas below!)

Barbacoa Chipotle Ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for barbacoa meat, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Did you know that Chipotle publicly posts the ingredients list for every item on their menu? To make a copycat Chipotle barbacoa recipe at home, I started with a peek at what they include when they cook up their delicious barbacoa beef. It turns out that theirs only has eleven ingredients, plus water.
Here are the barbacoa ingredients in my recipe, very similar to Chipotle’s:
- Beef – Use beef brisket or beef chuck roast. These tougher cuts have plenty of fat and connective tissue (read: collagen), which means they turn into juicy, fall-apart tender barbacoa meat when slow cooked. (I get my beef here, because it’s grass-fed and gets delivered to my door.) You can trim off any huge chunks of fat if needed, but don’t cut off all of it, as it will ensure a flavorful barbacoa meat in the end. Cut the meat into large chunks, approximately 2 inches in size.
- Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce – These add the classic heat and flavor! My version is a bit spicier than Chipotle’s original, so if you don’t like a lot of heat, you may want to reduce the amount of chile chilies in adobo sauce.
- Broth – Barbacoa meat needs a liquid to keep it moist. For a richer taste, use beef broth instead of water to make your slow cooker barbacoa beef. You can also use bone broth for even more flavor and nutrition.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a nice hit of acid to complement the rich beef, and also helps to break down the collagen in the connective tissues, so that the barbacoa meat becomes fall-apart tender.
- Lime Juice – Enhances the flavors of the spices used in this barbacoa recipe, and also helps break down the collagen along with the vinegar. You can use fresh lime juice or bottled for convenience.
- Herbs & Spices – Dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cloves, sea salt (or kosher salt), black pepper, and bay leaves.

How To Make Barbacoa
This section shows how to make this easy barbacoa recipe in the slow cooker, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Blend barbacoa sauce. Combine beef broth, chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, dried oregano, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and ground cloves in a blender (everything except the beef and bay leaves). Puree until it’s a smooth sauce/paste consistency. A small food processor will also work if you don’t have a blender, or yours is not powerful enough.
- Prep meat. Cut the beef brisket or chuck roast into 2-inch chunks. Place them evenly into the bottom of the slow cooker.

TIP: For even more flavor, brown the meat first.
This is not required, and I skipped it for convenience. But if you have time, sear the beef chunks in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil, before placing them in the slow cooker. This will make the flavor even better! You may need to do this in batches if the beef won’t fit in your pan in a single layer.


- Combine. Pour the barbacoa sauce over the beef in the Crock Pot. Place two bay leaves on top.


- Slow cook. Turn on your slow cooker (Low is recommended, but High will work if you’re short on time) and go enjoy your day. Come back later to perfect slow cooker barbacoa beef.
- Shred. Use two large forks to shred the beef — this should be very easy if it has cooked for long enough. You can shred barbacoa in the slow cooker directly, or transfer to a bowl to shred and then place the shredded meat back into the juices in the Crock Pot. Serve it with a slotted spoon (see ideas for serving below).


VARIATION: Make This Barbacoa Recipe In The Instant Pot!
Follow these instructions for Instant Pot barbacoa:
- Brown the beef directly in the Instant Pot on the saute setting. (Optional step, which corresponds to my tip above about browning if you have time.)
- Blend the sauce ingredients the same way as described above and pour over the beef.
- Pressure cook for 60 minutes on the Manual setting (high pressure). Turn the vent to Venting for quick release.
- Shred. Remove the lid, discard the bay leaves, and shred with two forks.

Storage Instructions
Store leftover beef barbacoa in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Barbacoa Last In The Fridge?
Barbacoa meat will last for about 4-6 days in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions:
This beef barbacoa recipe is freezer-friendly, so you’ll be able to have it on hand to thaw for a quick dinner. Transfer the meat into a zip lock bag or airtight container, together with the liquid, and freeze for up to 4-6 months.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat barbacoa in the microwave, in a 350 degree F oven, until warm. You can also reheat barbacoa in the Crock Pot on the Warm setting.

Ways To Use Barbacoa Recipes
This Chipotle barbacoa meat copycat can be served up in so many different types of Mexican recipes! Here are the most popular options:
- Salad – My favorite healthy way to serve homemade barbacoa beef is in a big salad, which is what I always order at Chipotle, too. My salad pictured above includes slow cooker barbacoa (of course), romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, jalapeno slices, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. Other popular additions include shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), and pico de gallo in place of the tomatoes and onions. You can also use meat from barbacoa recipes in taco salad.
- Burrito Bowl – Similar to the salad above, but you can add cilantro lime rice (I usually use either plain cauliflower rice or cilantro lime cauliflower rice) and/or your favorite beans (black beans, pinto beans, etc.) For a healthy version, follow my healthy burrito bowl recipe, and just swap the meat with this barbacoa recipe.
- Quesadillas – Fill your favorite tortillas with plenty of cheese (I love a mix of Mexican blend and Cotija) and the barbacoa meat. Grill in a tortilla press or on the stovetop. Flour or corn tortillas are classic options, but for healthy tortillas, try almond flour tortillas, coconut flour tortillas, or cauliflower tortillas.
- Tacos – There are endless ways to make barbacoa tacos! Use soft shells (some tortilla ideas above), crunchy cheese taco shells, jicama tortillas, or regular hard taco shells. My favorite easy combo is the beef barbacoa, thinly sliced avocados, red onion quarter moons, and cilantro — super simple but so flavorful and juicy that they don’t even need a sauce!
- Enchiladas – Mix the beef barbacoa with enchilada sauce, stuff into tortillas, roll up, and place into a baking dish, seam side down. Top with shredded cheese (such as Colby Jack or Mexican blend) and bake. I also have this low carb enchilada recipe, in which you can swap the chicken for barbacoa meat.
- Tamales – Use it in your favorite recipe, or swap it for the chicken in keto tamales.
- Toppers – Any of the above can benefit from adding fresh tomato salsa, pineapple salsa, queso (or queso fresco), shredded cheese, and sour cream, either as topping or for dipping, depending on the dish.
More Easy Mexican Recipes
If you like this Mexican barbacoa recipe, you’ll also love these:
Tools For Making Barbacoa Meat
- Blender – This high powered blender is great for all types of recipes. Perfect for making the sauce for this delicious low carb beef barbacoa recipe.
- Slow Cooker – A slow cooker is a must for this recipe. I prefer to use this one.
Chipotle Beef Barbacoa Recipe In A Slow Cooker
Barbacoa Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)
Learn how to make the best barbacoa meat! You'll love this barbacoa recipe (Chipotle copycat) — it's easy, healthy and fall-apart delicious.
Recipe Video
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Combine the broth, chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, dried oregano, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and ground cloves in a blender (everything except the beef and bay leaves). Puree until smooth.
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Place the beef chunks in the slow cooker. Pour the pureed mixture from the blender on top. Add the (whole) bay leaves.
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Cook for 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
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Remove the bay leaves. Shred the meat using two forks and stir into the juices. Cover and rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the beef to absorb even more flavor. Use a slotted spoon to serve.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/4 lb, or 1/12 entire recipe
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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211 Comments
Ofelia
0Can I do this with pork loin roast?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Ofelia, Here is a recipe for slow cooker pulled pork.
Barbara Havens
0Can I do this with chicken breasts instead of beef? Trying to watch cholesterol. Thank you.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Barbara, You probably can, but I haven’t tried it so am not sure if the amount of spices or other ingredients would need to change using chicken.
Jason Thigpen
0I have done this with chicken and its equally delicious!
Jasmine
0Best barbacoa recipe, the only one I’ll use going forward as this is the HG!
April Batty
0This was amazing!! Went by the recipe but did omit the optional cloves because I didn’t have them. It was so much better than chipotle. The barbacoa bowl is my go to at chipotle so I prepared this with cilantro line rice and pinto beans. I will never have to go to chipotle again. This was just incredible! Thank you so much.
Ed
0Amazing. Added juice of a blood orange and just a little white vinegar to the lime juice, and a few reconstituted dried guajillos. Otherwise to recipe. Came out tasting like I wanted and expected. Good recipe. Very close to chipotle.
GingerB
0WOW.. THIS WAS FANTASTIC! The only thing I did different was leave out the Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce because I didn’t have any and it still came out great. I will definitely be making this again and will make sure I have the peppers this time but even without them it tasted good. I served over a salad and it was a big hit. Thank You!
Jasmine
0Best Chipotle barbacoa recipe I’ve found!
sophs
0can this be made in a dutch oven pot?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi, Yes, that would work.
John
0Hi! Thanks for the recipe. If I half the portions should I then half the cooking time as well?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi John, Yes, reduce the cooking time.
Margret
0This recipe is FABULOUS, and just like Chipotle’s. So easy and tasty. New family favorite.
(We skipped the cloves).
sueB
0Super-easy to make and absolutely delicious! Regarding the number of servings (12), I think the amount would make about 12 small tacos. Maybe that’s what you meant? I did use a 3-lb. London Broil, but the butcher told me it was equivalent, just less fatty. I wouldn’t think it would make a difference?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Sue, That could potentially make the difference.
Cindy
0I puréed the sauce without the lime and salt. The chipotle chiles already had plenty of sodium. it was perfect, amazing flavor. Will be making this again.
David Doyle
0This is nowhere near being a copycat of Chipotle’s Barbacoa. The adobo sauce is what really throws this off. Likely it’s based on rehydrated chilis, not smoked chipotle peppers. But, don’t get me wrong, this recipe is very tasty. I’ve been using a variant of this for years now and my family loves it better than Chipotle’s.
Joanna
0This was so darn good. This was cooking in the crockpot when my family came over to visit and my sister said “omg what are you making? That smells amazing!” I opened the crockpot and gave her some. She went crazy for it. I ate it for dinner and it was so good. I usually dont have luck with brisket but this was delicious.
MacKenzie
0Adding this to my weekly meal plan. The meat turned out so tender and flavorful. DELISH!
Emily
0Pretty much anything with chiles in adobo sauce is amazing. This was a hit with the family!
Shelby
0This beef makes the best meal prep! Easy to whip up and it works in stir fry and pasta!
Glenda
0Your barbacoa version is delicious!!! I am always a huge fan of being able to put a meal into the slow cooker and give hours to build delicious flavor. Your recipe delivered. Thanks!
Jennifer
0The flavor in this dish is incredible! I loved the smoky heat from the chipotles. And I have enough left for lunch tomorrow!
Chip
0Thank you so much for posting this recipe. My family and I love it. My name is Chip and we are planning to call this “Chips-potle!” Also, I cooked the meat in an Instant pot for 115 minutes. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then released the pressure. Came out so soft and juicy. Thank you again.
laura
0Delicious beef, thank you!
Marjorie Stringham
0This recipe has saved me lots of time! My kids love chipotle and they said it’s better than chipotle! Thank you!! Making tonight for my son’s birthday dinner.
Gladys
0Did you use high medium or low pressure? Thank you
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Gladys, High pressure.
Katerina
0Wow! This was absolutely amazing! We loved it!
Toni
0This turned out really good! Everyone at my house enjoyed it! Thanks!
Wanda yalos
0Thank you for this recipe. It’s one of the few that my whole family enjoys!
Lisa Bullock-Spiker
0We absolutely love this! I do add a can of diced tomatoes to mine
Bernice
0I’m so glad I found this recipe in time for Cinco de Mayo. It really made our day!!
Shelby
0I love how flavorful this came out but mostly I love that I could make it in the slow cooker hehe the slow cooker saves my sanity!
Linda
0Hi, Maya. This recipe looks delicious! My husband doesn’t typically like things made in the slow cooker. Could you do this in the oven instead? If so, what temperature and how long would you suggest? Thanks.
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Linda, Sorry, I have never made this recipe in the oven before.
Liz
0I make it exclusively in the oven since I don’t have a slow cooker, and I usually do 325 F for about 2 1/2 – 3 hours, shred the meat, and return to the oven for another 15min while prepping side dishes.
Karen
0Can this be prepared without a slow cooker?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Karen, I have only ever made this recipe in the slow cooker.
Gus
0Flavor was good, but this was nearly inedibly salty.. Gonna make again and cut the salt and use half the salt and reduced salt broth.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Gus, It’s possible that your broth was much saltier than mine, feel free to adjust next time.
Angie Paniagua
0I have tried multiple versions of recipes to make beef barbacoa, but this one is by FAR my favorite. Easy to do with no bizarre ingredients. Easy to whip up but flavorful. Highly recommend. (I RARELY will comment or rate a recipe, but this one was worth the trouble of doing so).
Karen
0Loved this! We used boneless rump roast instead and my husband likes to salt the meat before using so it came out a little on the salty side so will omit the salt in the recipe next time. Using a slow cooker we did 8 hours on low and 1 hour on high and it was perfect and had plenty of juice.
Kelsey
0I’m not a huge chipotle lover, but this dish is excellent. Made it for a taco themed potluck and it was a huge hit. EVERYONE asked me for the recipe!
**I modified slightly:
1.) I used a whole 7 oz can of chipotles in adobo sauce (because I can’t read apparently)
2.) used ground cinnamon instead of cloves (same measurement as cloves, above, 1/2 tsp)
Karen
0Is it possible to use a boneless rump roast instead of a chuck roast for this recipe?
Thanks
Karen
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Karen, Yes, a rump roast would also work in this recipe.
Ana
0Was delicious! My husband like it so much. I got to admit we thought it has too much cloves for our taste I will probably half it next time… Actually what my husband liked most is I added 3 cups of Beef broth one medium potato and 1 cup of cooked white rice. Then served in a bowl the soup and topped it with a little of Pico de Gallo. We called it beef Barbacoa soup is delicious! Can add a little of more lime and fresh cilantro and onions.
Shanna
0Really easy to make and delicious too! I loved the heat of the chipotle chilies.