24 Beef Barbacoa Recipes That You Are Going to Want to Try Again and Again!

September 7, 2024
Written by Kristy J. Norton

Beef barbacoa is a truly incredible dish, filled with flavors and a tender texture. And, now, there are so many different ways to prepare it! From your favorite fast food dupe to complex dishes, you are spoiled for choice. Go ahead and check out these beef barbacoa recipes for yourself! 

beef barbacoa

1. Chipotle Copycat Beef Barbacoa

Like a lot of people you probably discovered barbacoa at Chipotles. Well, this recipe is an even tastier version! The key to getting this recipe just right is the chiles, seasonings, and sauces. So, make sure to stock up and you will have a tender, beautifully flavored beef barbacoa at the end! 

Get the recipe here

2. Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa

This beef barbacoa makes things a lot easier for you! All you have to do is to blend the barbacoa sauce ingredients and add it to the beef in the slow cooker and cook until tender. Shred the beef, toss in the sauce, and serve! For a truly tender and delicious barbacoa, try to use beef cheeks for this recipe. 

Get the recipe here

3. Instant Pot Barbacoa

If you have an Instant Pot instead, this is the recipe for you – complete with step by step instructions! Now, this recipe does have a few additional ingredients – the beef is cooked in tomatoes and green chiles. Also, the sauce includes a hint of allspice for an extra bump in flavor. 

Get the recipe here

4. Barbacoa with Consomme

If you are looking for an authentic Mexican barbacoa recipe, then this is the recipe for you! This recipe does things differently – you steam beef cheeks and tongue with a chile and spice broth before turning the broth into a sauce that is laded over the steamed meat. However, the results are absolutely delicious! 

Get the recipe here

5. Beer Braised Beef Barbacoa

This is a great recipe if you like a little bit of flavor but don’t want a ton of spices overpowering the flavor of your meat! While this barbacoa sauce does include aromatics, jalapenos, and cumin, it relies a great deal on herbs to infuse the meat with flavor. The beef is slow roasted in the beer-based herb and spice sauce and then shredded when tender. 

Get the recipe here

6. Beef Barbacoa Tacos 

This really is the ultimate taco filling! The beef barbacoa is slow cooked in a spicy and savory sauce until it is tender enough to be shredded. Load this filling up onto corn tortillas and top with Mexican cheese, crema, and fresh veggies to balance out all that spice! 

Get the recipe here

7. Beef Barbacoa Quesadilla 

These quesadillas are all about keeping things simple so that the gorgeous flavors of the slow cooked beef barbacoa stand out. Once the beef barbacoa is cooked and shredded, spread a tortilla with some queso and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Top this off with meat, more cheese and another tortilla. Cook in a skillet until the cheese has melted and then slice and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Beef Barbacoa Quesadilla

8. Beef Barbacoa Burrito

Once you have tried these beef barbacoa burritos, fast food just won’t do it for you anymore! The beef is cooked in spices and aromatics – including chipotle chili powder for some added smokiness. After the beef is cooked and shredded, add it to a tortilla that is lined with sour cream, homemade cilantro-lime rice, and pico de gallo. The refreshing flavors will go with the beef filling nicely! 

Get the recipe here

9. Citrus and Cola Barbacoa

This recipe is a great reminder that you don’t always need a ton of spices to add flavor to your meat! While there is plenty of seasoning in this recipe, you also cook the beef in cola and orange juice. Both of these help to tenderize the meat, but they also add a tang as well as a gorgeous caramel flavor into the mix! 

Get the recipe here

10. Beef Barbacoa Bowls

Beef barbacoa bowls are tasty and filling meals – as an added bonus, these barbacoa cooks up more quickly. As the beef cooks, prepare homemade guacamole, white rice, and saute veggies. Shred the beef and add to a bowl with the rice, veggies, and sides!  

Get the recipe here

11. Mexican Barbacoa Stew 

This recipe works just as well if you have leftover barbacoa or you want to make a fresh batch. Here, shredded barbacoa is simmered in barbacoa broth along with veggies, corn, and tomatoes. This is the perfect recipe for when the weather gets cold or you want something cozy to enjoy. 

Get the recipe here

12. Beef Barbacoa Spaghetti Squash 

This is a low carb and filling way to enjoy beef barbacoa! Cook and shred beef barbacoa before piling it on spaghetti squash and cheese. You can add cooked bacon and your choice of toppings to take this bowl to the next level! 

Get the recipe here

13. Beef Barbacoa Enchiladas 

Barbacoa enchiladas are so incredibly flavorful that they may become the only filling that you want anymore! Add the beef to a tortilla, top with cheese, and roll. Place in a baking dish, pour over enchilada sauce and cheese and bake until golden brown. 

Get the recipe here

Beef Barbacoa Enchiladas

14. Barbacoa Tortilla Casserole

This is a tasty, comforting, and incredibly simple recipe to make – it is also a good way of using up any leftover beef barbacoa you may have. The layers for this casserole include refried beans, barbacoa, tortillas, and cheese! Once the layers have been stacked, bake until the cheese has melted! 

Get the recipe here

15. Beef Barbacoa Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Looking for a new way to serve up your barbacoa? Look no further! In this recipe, cooked and shredded barbacoa beef is spooned onto baked sweet potatoes. It is then topped by cheese and your desired toppings. This is a great way to switch things up! 

Get the recipe here

16. Barbacoa Pot Roast

The name says it all – this dish is a beautiful combination between pot roast and barbacoa, giving you the best of both worlds! As an added bonus, the beef is cooked alongside veggies. So, when it is all done, just slice the barbacoa and serve with veggies. 

Get the recipe here

17. Smoked Barbacoa

Just when you thought that barbacoa couldn’t get any more flavorful, this recipe pops up! Here, the barbacoa is smoked, infusing the meat with that gorgeous smoky flavor. The barbacoa is smoked in a spicy, savory, and tangy sauce that it is also served with! 

Get the recipe here

18. Slow Cooker Barbacoa Nachos

Barbacoa doesn’t just have to be meals – it tastes amazing as a snack or an appetizer! It can also be a great way to use up leftover barbacoa. Just bake the nachos, top with barbacoa, and add cheese and any other toppings that you think goes with them!

Get the recipe here

19. Double Stacked Barbacoa Tostadas 

Want a meal with some serious crunch to it? Well, this is the way to go! Fill your tostadas with refried beans and cheese and bake until the cheese is melted. Add in the barbacoa and queso as well as a delicious and punchy homemade slaw!

Get the recipe here

20. Baked Beef Barbacoa Chimichangas

This is such a delicious and crispy treat – a perfect snack or meal for both adults as well as kids! Line tortillas with beef, refried beans, and cheese before rolling them up, brushing with butter and baking until golden brown! 

Get the recipe here

21. Barbacoa Empanadas

To make this recipe easier to put together, get yourself some pre made empanada shells! Stuff the shells with beef barbacoa and cheese, close and crimp, and bake until nice and crispy. It really doesn’t get any simpler than this! 

Get the recipe here

22. Barbacoa and Black Bean Stuffed Poblano Peppers

There is so much to love about these stuffed peppers! The roasted poblano peppers lend their own delicious flavor to the mound of barbacoa, beans, corn, chiles, and cheese! Once stuffed, pop the peppers in the oven until the cheese is melted for a chef’s kiss meal!

Get the recipe here

23. Barbacoa Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are a great option when you want a light lunch or are looking to cut down on carbs in your meal. It is also a great summertime meal! Here, you make the barbacoa and shred it, spooning the beef into lettuce leaves. You can add more toppings or serve as is! 

Get the recipe here

Barbacoa Lettuce Wraps

24. Beef Barbacoa Sliders

If you want to switch things up at your next barbecue or want a fun meal that will be a hit with the whole family, this is the recipe to consider. Slow cooked barbacoa is shredded before being served in buns that have been slathered in chipotle mayo and topped with tomatoes. 

Get the recipe here

Beef Barbacoa Sliders

It doesn’t matter if you are new to beef barbacoa or have been a fan for a while – these recipes will show you all the ways that you can experiment with this delicious dish. Go ahead and give them a try! 

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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