Barbacoa Tacos

Name: Barbacoa Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Hard corn taco shells; Sliced avocado; Crumbled cotija cheese; Fresh cilantro; Lime wedges; Thinly sliced radishes; 3 lbs Chuck roast; 1 Yellow onion; 3 Garlic cloves; 2 Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce; 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp Lime juice; 1 cup Beef broth or water; 1 tbsp Salt; 1 tsp Black pepper; 2 tsp Cumin; 1 tsp Oregano; 1 tsp Cocoa powder (trust me, it adds depth); 2 Bay leaves; 2 tbsp Butter

I could eat these tacos every week and still crave more. They’re tender, full of flavor, and so simple to make. Just let it slow cook, and wait until the meat falls apart into perfection. They taste even better the next day if you can control yourself.

Total time: 3 hr 15 min
Serves: 8
Updated: October 15, 2025
Recipe by: Saba

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The recipeDine in Colors

Barbacoa Tacos

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 3 hr
Total: 3 hr 15 min
Serves: 8

Ingredients

Taco Fixings

Hard corn taco shells
Sliced avocado
Crumbled cotija cheese
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Thinly sliced radishes

Barbacoa

3 lbs Chuck roast
1 Yellow onion
3 Garlic cloves
2 Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp Lime juice
1 cup Beef broth or water
1 tbsp Salt
1 tsp Black pepper
2 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Cocoa powder (trust me, it adds depth)
2 Bay leaves
2 tbsp Butter

Instructions

Step 1Blend everything in Barbacoa Ingredients except the bay leaves and butter until smooth
Step 2Place the chuck roast in an oven safe pan or Dutch oven and pour the blended sauce over it. Add the bay leaves and butter
Step 3Cover with a lid and bake at 320°F (fan off) for 3 hours until the meat is tender and shreds easily
Step 4Remove the bay leaves, shred the beef, and let it soak up all the flavorful juices
Step 5Assemble your tacos with avocado, barbacoa, cotija cheese, radishes, and cilantro, then finish with a squeeze of lime