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Ultimate Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa Recipe

Ultimate Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa Recipe - Easy Comfort Food Recipes

Every now and then, I find myself itching to make something that reminds me of home, something comforting yet bold. Beef barbacoa checks all those boxes. It’s a dish that takes me back to family gatherings, where laughter and delicious aromas filled the room.
I discovered the wonders of the Instant Pot during meal prep chaos—a magic machine that turns tough cuts of meat into fork-tender dreams. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 475
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chipotle Sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tsp adobo sauce
  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 3 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 5 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Better than Bouillon beef base
  • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
Barbacoa
  • 4 lb. beef chuck roast
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 4 oz can diced green chiles, drained
  • 3 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Sauce
  1. In a blender, mix beef broth, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, and the rest of the sauce ingredients. Blend until smooth. This sauce holds the key to unlocking maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
  1. Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté." Add vegetable oil. Once hot, season the beef chuck roast with salt and black pepper. Sear the beef on all sides for 4-5 minutes. This step creates a delicious crust that enhances the flavor profile.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
  1. Once the beef is seared, remove it from the pot. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the tomato paste and stir well, letting everything meld together.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
  1. Now, return the beef to the pot. Pour in the blended chipotle sauce, the green chiles, bay leaves, and all remaining broth. Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
  1. Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Make sure the valve is set to "Sealing." Select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" and set it for 60 minutes.
Step 6: Natural Release
  1. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pot to naturally release for about 15-20 minutes. After that, switch the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure.
Step 7: Shred the Beef
  1. Carefully remove the beef from the pot. Use two forks to shred it. Return the beef to the sauce, mixing well to soak in those flavors.
Step 8: Serve
  1. You can serve this immediately or let it cool down and store it for later. Load up your tacos, burritos, or bowls, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use Leftover Beef: If you have leftover beef roast, use it instead for faster prep.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to add more chipotle or pepper if you like heat.
  • Let it Rest: Allowing the shredded beef to sit in the sauce for a bit drastically improves flavor.
  • Rest the Beef After Cooking: Just like any good protein, letting the beef rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute.
Garnish Creatively: Top your barbacoa with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, or avocado slices for an extra layer of flavors.