The simple summary:
Cut the chuck roast into cubes and brown them in a hot pan before anything else goes in the pot. The seared edges give the shredded beef more to taste. After that it’s onion, garlic, the citrus, and the spices, then low and slow until the beef falls apart. We’ve made it both ways, hands-off in the crock pot on a slow day, or quicker in the instant pot when we’re short on time.

What readers are saying
This recipe was a crowd pleaser at my house. I love the fact that it has wholesome ingredients because I feel like most crockpot recipes are full of junk. We’ve made this twice now. Once I served it with rice and veggies. Yesterday we had it in tacos! Both times it’s been a hit. Thanks for the recipe!
Stephanie
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Key ingredient notes
- Fresh citrus is a must. Squeeze real oranges and limes for this, don’t use the bottled juice.
- The spice blend. Chipotle powder adds smoky spice, cumin a little depth, and ground clove is the one that gives it that authentic Mexican pulled beef flavor. Two teaspoons of chipotle is mild to medium, so taste it and add more if you want it spicier.
- Chuck roast is the cut we use. However, readers have had success with brisket, sirloin tip, and even top round. The recipe is forgiving and the added juice prevents just about any meat from drying out.
Related –> Want something similar, but with with chicken? Check out our chicken carnitas.

Testing notes from our kitchen
Let the pressure release on its own: if you pressure cook it, give it a full 20 minutes of natural release before you open the valve. Rushing it will make the beef tough to shred.
Broil it for crispy edges: spread the barbacoa on a sheet pan and run it under the broiler for a few minutes right before serving. That’s how you get the browned, taco-truck edges.
It makes a lot, on purpose: this serves about eight, and the leftovers are better on day two. Keep some of the cooking liquid and reheat the beef in it so it doesn’t dry out.
How we usually serve this barbacoa beef
We do tacos most often, in warm corn tortillas with simple toppings, but it’s just as good in a burrito bowl over rice, on nachos, in a salad, or even mixed with scrambled eggs the next morning. A drizzle of cilantro lime sauce with diced avocado, cilantro, and a lime wedge is all it needs on top.
Similar flavor, different meal
If you enjoy this barbacoa recipe, here are a few other Mexican mains we make on repeat in our house. Pork carnitas for crispy, shredded tacos. Carne asada when we want something quick off the grill. Our Mexican shredded chicken also uses chuck roast and citrus, but it’s simmered in fire roasted tomatoes and green chilis for a completely different flavor profile.
Beef Barbacoa (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2 inch cubes , (can also use beef brisket)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, (about 2 oranges)
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice, (about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp chipotle powder, (can be spicy, adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp oregano, (fresh or dried)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp ghee, (or other cooking oil)
For topping/serving:
- chopped cilantro
- avocado
- lime wedges
Instructions
- Cut beef into cubes and set aside. Prep onion and garlic as noted.3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2 inch cubes , 1 medium onion, diced, 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- Combine orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, tomato paste, cumin, chipotle powder, oregano, salt and ground cloves in a bowl or jar and mix well.3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp cumin, 2 tsp chipotle powder, 2 tsp oregano, 2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- Press the sauté button on the instant pot and add ghee. Once hot, add in the beef and brown it on all sides. Press cancel on the instant pot once the beef is browned.2 tbsp ghee, 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2 inch cubes
- Add in the diced onion and garlic cloves and pour the juice/seasoning mixture all over everything.1 medium onion, diced, 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- Secure the lid on the instant pot and close the pressure valve. Press the “manual” button (or “pressure cook” button) and set the time to cook for 30 minutes at high pressure. Once the time is up, let the pressure naturally release on its own for 20 minutes.
- Manually release any remaining pressure and remove the lid. Shred the beef with two forks.
- Serve beef in bowls over rice, or in tortillas with your favorite toppings for barbacoa tacos .
Slow cooker instructions:
- Follow steps 1-2 above.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add ghee. Once hot, add in beef cubes to brown, just a minute or so on each side until all sides are browned. Transfer beef to the slow cooker.2 tbsp ghee, 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2 inch cubes
- Add in the diced onion and garlic cloves and pour the juice/seasoning mixture all over everything.1 medium onion, diced, 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours. Once the beef is finished, shred it in the slow cooker with two forks and mix it with all the juices. Serve as noted above.
Optional step (for crispy beef barbacoa):
- Set your oven to broil.
- After shredding the beef, use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and onions from the instant pot and place on a large sheet pan. Spoon some of the juices from the instant pot over the top of the beef in the sheet pan.
- Place in the oven to broil for 6-8 minutes, until the beef begins to develop some brown and crispy edges. Watch carefully and cook to your preference.
- Alternatively, you can simply transfer some of the beef to a skillet over medium heat and cook it until it’s crispy, stirring occasionally. This method is easiest if you are re-heating the leftovers from the fridge.
Notes
- Nutrition estimates are per serving and an estimate provided for reader benefit. See our full nutrition information disclosure here.






I made another beef barbacoa recipe before finding this one. I thought the other one was good. Whoa! This one – wowza! – kicks it up a notch! Thanks for a fantastic beef dish! So much flavor. I’ve made it twice now, and both times I reduced the chipotle powder by at least 1/4. People told me it was right at the edge of their tolerance, so next week when I make it for a large family gathering I will reduce it further. I like the heat, but 2 tsp would be a bit much for me. It might depend on the brand of chipotle powder. So delicious – the combination of spices and citrus is amazing! After noticing that I keep coming back to Real Simple Good, I’ve finally bookmarked it. :o)
Wow! Bonnie, thanks so much for giving our recipe a try and for coming back to share your experience. We love hearing that you’ve enjoyed this one so much. Thanks again! 🙂
We love this meal! I don’t like things too spicy, so I usually cut back a bit in the chipotle chili powder.
We usually use this for burrito bowls using cauliflower rice, salsa, guacamole, and grilled peppers and onions….so good!
Sounds perfect Janet, we use this for bowls too!
This looks great! Thank you for the recipe. Real simple ingredients. I can’t wait to give it a try.
Please come back and let us know how it goes!
Can I just put the meat in the crock pot and not chop it up?
Yes, it will work that way.