SIGN UP FOR MY FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER AND NEVER MISS ANOTHER DELICIOUS FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECIPE

Real Life Dinner

Recipes your real life family will love!

  • Start Here
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Apraxia
  • Family
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Plus
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • RSS

April 26, 2021 15 Comments

Copycat Chipotle Beef Barbacoa

A paper bowl filled with rice topped with Chipotle Beef Barbacoa, black beans, pico de Gallo, shredded cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. In the upper right corner is a partial picture of a grey cloth napkinLiving in Germany there are lots of restaurants I miss. I’ve decided I’m just going to have to start recreating recipes from them. This week I started with Chipotle, and you’re going to love this Copycat Chipotle Beef Barbacoa. We’re big fans of Mexican food. I usually get the burrito bowl at Chipotle, but if you want to make the burrito, these Homemade Flour Tortillas are really authentic and perfect. 

Maybe I shouldn’t admit this publicly, but one of my favorite things to do when I needed a little break from the family was to go get some Chipotle, go to a remote parking spot, sit in my van, and watch Netflix on my phone while I ate it. Seriously, I’m getting nostalgic thinking about it! Next time you see someone eating in their car, just pretend you don’t see them and walk on by! Maybe they need a break from their family, too! 😉 

Beef Barbacoa topped on white rice with black beans, pico de Gallo, shredded white cheese, guacamole and sour cream on top of the beef, all in a paper bowl with a black plastic spoon inserted into the dish on the left side. There's a partial picture of a grey cloth napkin in the upper left corner.My days of being able to go grab takeout and hide in a parking lot are pretty much over. But, I still love Chipotle, and it was so fun to recreate this recipe and others so we could enjoy an authentic Chipotle dinner, even overseas. 

This recipe is easier to make than you’d think. Once you get the sauce made and the meat seared, it basically makes itself! I hope you enjoy this Copycat Chipotle Beef Barbacoa as much as we do! 

More Copycat Recipes

  • Copycat Diner Style Pancakes
  • Copycat Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread
  • Copycat Cafe Rio Cilantro Ranch Dressing
  • Copycat Swig Sugar Cookies Bar Recipe
  • Copycat Cranberry Bliss Bars
  • Knockoff Swig Sugar Cookies

Step by step pictures for how to make copycat chipotle beef barbacoa

12-picture collage of step by step pictures on how to make Copycat Chipotle Beef Barbacoa.Beef Barbacoa topped on white rice with black beans, pico de Gallo, shredded white cheese, guacamole and sour cream on top of the beef, all in a paper bowl with a metal spoon inserted into the dish on the left side. There's a partial picture of a grey cloth napkin in the upper left corner.Frequently Asked Questions About How to Make Copycat Chipotle Beef Barbacoa

What can i use if i don’t have chipotle chiles or adobo sauce?

Half a cup of medium or hot salsa and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika would give a similar flavor. 

what cut of beef is best to use for copycat chipotle beef barbacoa?

A beef chuck roast is my favorite one to use. You could use any beef roast. I suggest having at least a little bit of marbling so you get some of that nice fat flavor. 

Chipotle Beef in a paper bowl with white rice, pico de Gallo, black beans, sour cream, shredded cheese and guacamole with a black plastic spoon inserted in the right side of the dish. Above the paper bowl is a grey cloth napkin.do i have to sear the beef or can i just put it directly in the oven?

Searing the beef adds some nice flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, skipping this step will not make a drastic difference. 

what does barbacoa mean?

Barbacoa is the Spanish word for “barbeque,” but don’t let that confuse you. The flavor of this Copycat Chipotle Beef Barbacoa is nothing like American barbeque. 

what is a good replacement for apple cider vinegar?

The best replacement option for apple cider vinegar is seasoned rice vinegar or red wine.

Pinterest picture with the text of the title of the recipe in the middle.

Serve with...

Pico-de-gallo-recipe-Pico de Gallo RecipeOven Baked Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe, Throw it in the oven and forget about it!Oven Baked Cilantro Lime Rice RecipePicture of homemade refried beans, in a white bowl topped with shredded cheeseInstant Pot Refried Beans

5.0 from 4 reviews
Copycat Chipotle Beef Barbacoa
 
Print
Prep time
15 mins
Cook time
3 hours
Total time
3 hours 15 mins
 
A delicious and authentic copycat recipe for Chipotle Beef Barbacoa. Serve this with cilantro lime rice, black beans, pico de gallo, and any other toppings you love. So delicious!
Author: Slightly Adapted from Food.com
Recipe type: Copycat
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 12-16
Ingredients
  • 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 2 tbsp canola oil
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2-3 chipotle chiles in adobo (these will add spice so if you like it hot add 3, if not add 2 or consider only adding 1 if you don't like things a little spicy)
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves
Instructions
  1. In a food processor or powerful blender, combine the apple cider vinegar, garlic, cumin, brown sugar, oregano, black pepper, salt, ground cloves, lime juice, and chipotle chiles in adobo. Blend or process until well combined.
  2. Cut the beef roast into 4-5 chunks.
  3. In a large, oven-safe pot, sear each side of the meat in the heated canola oil.
  4. Once all sides of the beef are seared, pour the sauce mixture evenly over each piece.
  5. Add the beef broth and bay leaves. Cover with a lid or foil and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 2½-3 hours or until meat is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  6. When the meat is done, remove it from the oven and shred the meat using 2 forks. You can choose to take it out of the pan to do this or leave it in like I did. If you take it out, be sure to return the shredded meat into the pan to soak up the juices.
  7. Serve with chipotle lime rice, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, cheese, and any other toppings you prefer! Meat can also be wrapped up in a burrito or served on a salad.
3.4.3177

More Delicious Mexican Food

chipotle-shredded-chickenSlow Cooker Chipolte Shredded ChickenCreamy Chicken Green Chili EnchiladasSlow-Cooker-Pineapple-Salsa-ChickenSlow Cooker Pineapple Salsa Chicken aka Mexican Delight

Pinterest photo with the text of the title of the recipe at the top.

Beef, Mexican, Uncategorized
Adobo beef, Barbacoa, Barbacoa recipes, Beef adobo recipes, beef Barbacoa, beef Barbacoa recipes, Chipotle Beef recipe, Chipotle Beef recipes, chipotle chilies in adobo, Chipotle recipes, Copycat Chipotle, Copycat Chipotle Beef, Copycat Chipotle Beef Barbacoa, Copycat Chipotle Recipes, recipes with Adobo sauce, shredded beef recipes
15 Comments

Like it? Share it!

Yum

Subscribe and never miss another recipe!

Sign up above and receive delicious family-friendly recipes directly in your email inbox!

15 Comments

  1. Christina

    April 27, 2021 at 10:08 am

    This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it. Can you use avocado oil instead of canola oil?

    to Christina" aria-label='reply to this comment to Christina'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      April 28, 2021 at 4:37 am

      That should be fine. I am excited for you to try it! So yummy!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  2. Nicole

    April 27, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    Your timing with this recipe is wonderful because I was literally looking at beef recipes yesterday so that we can have burrito bowls tomorrow. 🙂 My roast is defrosting in the fridge right now so I’m going to give your recipe a try. We don’t live over seas, but our little town doesn’t have a great selection of places to eat out so I like being able to make restaurant copycats at home as well. I’m looking forward to seeing what other recipes you share! Also, we’re having your feta and chicken pasta for dinner tonight, with your recommendation of crusty bread. Can’t wait! #Aprilgiveaway

    to Nicole" aria-label='reply to this comment to Nicole'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      April 28, 2021 at 4:36 am

      Awesome! I just made a copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken and Penne last night and it was awesome! This week there are more chipotle copycat recipes coming like, the rice and pico…I think black beans too…I can’t remember. 🙂

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
    • Nicole

      April 29, 2021 at 8:05 am

      My family loved this! I skipped the brown sugar and we ate it in burrito bowls. Next time we’ll try it tortillas. It was very delicious!

      to Nicole" aria-label='reply to this comment to Nicole'>reply to this comment
      • Maria

        April 30, 2021 at 9:12 am

        Yum! I’m so glad you made it! I have been craving this again, need to make it soon!

        to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  3. Jileen

    April 27, 2021 at 5:15 pm

    Looks so yummy, Maria!! Could this be made in a crock pot or Instant Pot? Thanks for all the great recipes!

    to Jileen" aria-label='reply to this comment to Jileen'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      April 28, 2021 at 4:34 am

      Yes, crock pot would work better than instant pot. Sometimes the flavor of spices are affected when pressure cooked. If you slow cook it you don’t have to brown the meat first, but if you have the time it’s worth it. It adds another level of depth to the flavor.

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  4. Amy Rosquist

    May 2, 2021 at 1:51 pm

    This turned out so delicious! My family loved it.

    to Amy Rosquist" aria-label='reply to this comment to Amy Rosquist'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      May 4, 2021 at 4:48 am

      Yay! That makes me so happy!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  5. AnnS

    May 4, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    This recipe is a keeper! My family devoured it. The next time I make it I will have to double it, though. Do you recommend doubling this recipe?

    to AnnS" aria-label='reply to this comment to AnnS'>reply to this comment
    • Maria

      May 11, 2021 at 4:20 am

      Yay! Love hearing this, This recipe should work great to double!

      to Maria" aria-label='reply to this comment to Maria'>reply to this comment
  6. Callie

    August 19, 2021 at 11:43 am

    #augustgiveaway

    to Callie" aria-label='reply to this comment to Callie'>reply to this comment
  7. Sabrina Yeasky

    August 19, 2021 at 4:18 pm

    This looks delicious! I think I’m going to take the first commenters advice and use avocado oil.

    to Sabrina Yeasky" aria-label='reply to this comment to Sabrina Yeasky'>reply to this comment
  8. Sabrina Yeasky

    August 19, 2021 at 4:19 pm

    Oooo looks good. think I’m going to take the first commenters advice and use avocado oil.

    to Sabrina Yeasky" aria-label='reply to this comment to Sabrina Yeasky'>reply to this comment

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:  

Welcome friends!

Hi, I'm Maria. A mom of five and a total foodie. My superpower is taking ordinary recipes and making them DELICIOUS. Your family will LOVE these meals! Come cook with me, I promise it will be amazing! Get started here or search my archives below.


When you start your Amazon shopping here, I receive a small percentage of the sale. Thank you for supporting Real Life Dinner.

Don’t Miss These

Back
to Top
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
  • Apraxia
  • Family
  • About
  • Contact

Copyright © 2022 Real Life Dinner  •  All Rights Reserved  •  Privacy Policy  •  Site Design by Emily White Designs