Barbacoa Beef Tacos

Introduction

Barbacoa beef tacos are a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that is perfect for any occasion. The tender, slow-cooked beef is seasoned with a blend of spices and served in warm tortillas, topped with fresh toppings and a squeeze of lime. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a tasty meal, these barbacoa beef tacos are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the barbacoa beef:

– 2 pounds beef chuck roast

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon ground cumin

– 1 tablespoon dried oregano

– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

– 1/4 cup lime juice

– 1/4 cup beef broth

– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced

– 1 tablespoon adobo sauce

– 2 bay leaves

For the taco toppings:

– Tortillas

– Chopped fresh cilantro

– Diced onions

– Sliced jalapenos

– Lime wedges

– Salsa or hot sauce

Steps

1. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

2. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef chuck roast, ensuring it is evenly coated.

3. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chuck roast and sear on all sides until browned.

4. Transfer the seared beef chuck roast to a slow cooker.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, lime juice, beef broth, minced chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce.

6. Pour the mixture over the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves.

7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

8. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

9. Strain the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and reserve for serving.

10. Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or on a griddle until warmed through.

11. To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of the shredded beef onto each tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro, diced onions, sliced jalapenos, and a squeeze of lime juice.

12. Drizzle some of the reserved cooking liquid over the tacos and serve with salsa or hot sauce on the side.

Variations

There are many ways to customize your barbacoa beef tacos to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

– Add diced tomatoes or pico de gallo for a fresh and tangy flavor.

– Substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas for a traditional twist.

– Top your tacos with crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese for added creaminess.

– For a spicier kick, add extra minced chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the best barbacoa beef tacos:

– Use a beef chuck roast for the best results. The marbling in the meat will ensure a tender and flavorful result.

– Allow the beef to cook on low heat for the full 8-10 hours to ensure it is fork-tender and easy to shred.

– Strain the cooking liquid and reserve it for serving. It adds extra flavor and moisture to the tacos.

– Don’t skip the toppings! The fresh cilantro, diced onions, and sliced jalapenos add a burst of flavor and texture to the tacos.

Conclusion

Barbacoa beef tacos are a mouthwatering dish that brings the flavors of Mexico to your table. The slow-cooked beef is tender and packed with delicious spices, while the toppings add freshness and zing. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply want to enjoy a satisfying meal, these barbacoa beef tacos are a must-try.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for the barbacoa?

While beef chuck roast is the traditional choice for barbacoa, you can also use other cuts such as beef brisket or beef short ribs. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.

2. Can I make barbacoa beef tacos in the oven?

Yes, you can! Simply sear the beef chuck roast in a skillet, then transfer it to a roasting pan. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake at a low temperature (around 275°F) for several hours until the beef is tender and easily shreds.

3. Are barbacoa beef tacos spicy?

The level of spiciness in barbacoa beef tacos can be adjusted to your liking. The recipe includes chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, which add a smoky and slightly spicy flavor. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit them altogether.