Chipotle Barbacoa Dupe

If you love the bold, smoky flavors of Chipotle’s barbacoa, you’re in for a treat with this easy dupe recipe! Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered in a rich blend of spices, chipotle peppers, and seasonings—this homemade version brings the same deep, smoky taste without the need for a takeout run. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, this recipe will become your go-to for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Serves:  6

Ingredients:

• 3 Pounds chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks

• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

• 3 Cups chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

• .5 Cups beef broth

• .25 Cups apple cider vinegar

• 5 Teaspoons garlic cloves, minced

• 1 Tablespoons ground cumin

• 1 Tablespoons dried oregano

• 1 Teaspoons smoked paprika

• .5 Teaspoons ground cloves

• 1 Teaspoons salt

• 1 Teaspoons black pepper

• 2 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Sear the Beef:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the beef chunks on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.

2. Make the Sauce:

In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Barbacoa:

Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.

4. Shred and Serve:

Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce.
Serve the barbacoa warm in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice.