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Authentic shredded beef barbacoa recipe on a white plate, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
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Authentic Barbacoa Mexicana

5 from 1 vote
A step-by-step guide to making tender and flavorful barbacoa mexicana at home. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a standalone dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 10 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs Beef brisket or chuck roast Trimmed of excess fat and cut into large chunks
  • 2 tbsp Chili powder Adds smokiness and warmth.
  • 1 tbsp Ground cumin For earthy depth.
  • 1 tbsp Dried oregano Provides a herbal brightness.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced for aromatic flavor.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped, adds a savory base.
  • 1 cup Beef broth For rich, flavorful cooking liquid.
  • 2 Bay leaves Adds subtle herbal undertones.
  • 2 Limes Juiced, for acidity and brightness.
  • 1 tsp Salt To season the meat.
  • 1 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground, to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Slow cooker (or Dutch oven) For slow cooking the meat to tender perfection.
  • 1 Mixing Bowl For preparing the marinade.
  • 1 Cutting Board For trimming and cutting the meat.
  • 1 Forks For shredding the cooked meat.

Method
 

  1. Instruction: Trim the meat of excess fat and cut into large chunks. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Instruction: In a separate bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Rub this mixture all over the meat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Instruction: Place the marinated meat in the slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add chopped onion, bay leaves, and beef broth.
  4. Instruction: Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours in a slow cooker (or at 275°F for 4-5 hours in a Dutch oven). Check occasionally to ensure the meat remains moist.
  5. nstruction: Once the meat is fork-tender, remove it from the cooking liquid. Use two forks to shred the meat. Return it to the liquid to soak up additional flavor.
  6. Instruction: Serve the shredded barbacoa with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. Enjoy!