Tender, Juicy Beef Barbacoa (Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)

• Cut beef into cubes and set aside. Prep onion and garlic as noted.
• Combine orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, tomato paste, cumin, chipotle powder, oregano, salt and ground cloves in a bowl or jar and mix well.
• 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.
• Add in the diced onion and garlic cloves and pour the juice/seasoning mixture all over everything.
• 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 greens, in lettuce wedges or in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

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.
• Add in the diced onion and garlic cloves and pour the juice/seasoning mixture all over everything.
• 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.