What Is Chipotle Barbacoa Meat? (Copycat Recipe)

Years of savoring and exploring various cuisines have deepened my appreciation for the culinary arts. Today, I’m thrilled to take you on a flavorful journey into the world of Chipotle’s barbacoa.

Join me as I uncover its origins, explore its health benefits, and teach you how to make a delicious home version that can become a staple in your culinary creations.

Quick Summary

What Is Chipotle Barbacoa Meat?

Chipotle’s barbacoa is a slow-cooked, tender, and flavorful meat option that has become a crowd favorite.

It is traditionally made with beef, although some Chipotles also offer a chicken version. Barbacoa beef is typically prepared using a cut from the beef shoulder called chuck roast, known for its rich flavor and tenderness when cooked slowly.

To achieve the signature taste of their barbacoa, Chipotle marinates the meat in a blend of spices and adobo sauce. Adobo is a key ingredient in Mexican recipes, made from chipotle peppers, which are jalapeno peppers that have been aged, dried, and smoked.

The smoky and slightly spicy chipotles in adobo sauce provide a depth of flavor to the barbacoa beef.

The marinade in Chipotle’s Mexican barbacoa recipe also includes other aromatic spices, such as garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder, further enhancing the overall taste. Additionally, apple cider vinegar and lime juice are used to tenderize the meat and give it a tangy kick.

After marinating, the beef is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender shredded beef packed with flavor. This slow cooking melds all the spices and flavors together, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Chipotle Barbacoa Meat and Your Health

When it comes to health, Chipotle’s barbacoa beef can be a nutritious choice. It is made from responsibly raised beef, which means the animals are raised without antibiotics or added hormones. This ensures you get high-quality meat that is good for your health and the environment.

Barbacoa at Chipotle is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a suitable option for those following a low-carb or high-protein diet. It is also gluten-free, which is great news for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Chipotle’s barbacoa beef is only 170 calories per serving in a burrito bowl – making it less caloric than Chipotle’s pork carnitas, chicken al pastor, pollo asado, and even basic chicken.

To further enhance the nutritional value of your Chipotle barbacoa burrito bowl, you can opt for healthier toppings and sides. Choose fresh ingredients like pico de gallo, chili corn salsa, and lettuce. Skip the sour cream and opt for avocado or a sprinkle of queso fresco instead.

“The magic of barbacoa lies in its ability to transport your taste buds to the heart of Mexico. The combination of chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and aromatics creates a dish that’s both comforting and exhilarating.”

– Spanish & American Chef and Restaurateur

Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe

Here’s a simplified Chipotle barbacoa recipe to bring the flavors of this traditional Mexican dish to your kitchen:

Recipe Overview:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker or Crock Pot)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef roast
• 2 oz vegetable oil
• 2-3 chipotle peppers
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

1. In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, chili powder, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth to create the barbacoa sauce.
2. Warm the oil in a sizable skillet over medium-high heat. Place the meat in the pan in one even layer and generously season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Allow each side to cook for approximately 2-4 minutes or until a deep, golden-brown hue is achieved.
3. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker and pour the chipotle sauce over it. Add bay leaves, apple cider vinegar, fresh lime juice, and beef broth to the seared beef roast in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and is cooked enough to fall apart.
5. Remove the bay leaves and shred beef using two forks like you would pulled pork.
6. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and let it soak in the flavorful sauce for another 15-30 minutes.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

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Recipe Notes

• For a less spicy flavor, adjust the amount of chipotle pepper and cayenne in the chipotle beef barbacoa recipe to your preference.
• Serve the slow cooker barbacoa beef in tacos, burrito bowls, or as a topping for salads.
• Consider other ingredients for this beef barbacoa recipe such as chicken broth, fresh cilantro, or diced tomatoes.
• This meal can be made in an Instant Pot or Dutch oven like you would a pot roast, pork shoulder, or pork butt. 
• Leftover shredded meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days [1].
• You can freeze slow cooker barbacoa meat for longer storage. It will last indefinitely in the freezer, but for best results, use it within 3-4 months [2].
• Customize the dish with your favorite toppings, such as pico de gallo, shredded cheese, sour cream, and freshly chopped cilantro.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
• Total Carbs: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Net Carbs: 2g

How to Enjoy Chipotle Barbacoa

Here are some dishes and sides that would pair well with this slow-cooker barbacoa recipe:

1. Cilantro Lime Rice:
The zesty and refreshing notes of cilantro lime rice perfectly complement the rich and smoky flavors of Chipotle’s barbacoa. The rice’s citrusy kick adds a bright contrast, balancing the dish’s depth with a burst of freshness.

2. Roasted Chili Corn Salsa:
The sweet and slightly spicy flavors of chili corn salsa provide a delightful contrast to the smokiness of the Crock Pot beef barbacoa. The combination adds layers of texture and a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy food.

3. Pico de Gallo:
The tangy and vibrant pico de gallo enhances the overall experience by bringing a burst of acidity to each bite. Its fresh ingredients, including tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, provide a crisp contrast to the tender barbacoa.

4. Guacamole:
A staple of Mexican food, the creamy and buttery texture of guacamole acts as a cooling agent to balance the dish’s spiciness. The avocado’s natural creaminess complements the beef, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

5. Pinto or Black Beans:
Pairing beef barbacoa with black or pinto beans adds a hearty and protein-rich element to the meal. The beans’ earthy flavors and slightly creamy texture provide a satisfying contrast to the meat’s smokiness.

6. Warm Corn Tortillas:
Serving barbacoa with tortillas allows you to create flavorful barbacoa tacos. The tortillas wrap around the meat, trapping its juices and flavors for a convenient and enjoyable handheld meal. Alternatively, it can be served shredded in a large flour tortilla.

7. Grilled Fajita Veggies:
With their charred and caramelized edges, grilled veggies offer a sweet and smoky companion to the beef barbacoa. The veggies’ natural sweetness and tender texture create a medley of flavors that enhance the dining experience.

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