Barbacoa Without a Slow Cooker (Beef Chuck Roast Recipe)
There are many ways to make barbacoa. One way is to use a slow cooker, but if you don't have one or don't want to use one, there are other methods. One is to bake the meat in the oven at a low temperature for several hours. Another is to cook it on the stovetop in a pot with some liquid. Whichever way you choose, the key is to cook the meat slowly so it becomes very tender.All you need is a pan with a lid and an oven-safe bowl. The first step is to heat the oil in the pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until they are soft. Next, add the beef and cook until it is browned. Then, add the chipotles, adobo sauce, cumin, and oregano. Finally, add the chicken broth and place the oven-safe bowl on top of the beef. Cover the pan with a lid and bake for 3 hours or until the beef is fork-tender.
Ingredients
- 3-5 lb beef chuck roast
- Salt and pepper
- 4 tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 dried guajillo peppers soaked stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho peppers soaked stemmed and seeded
- 1 chipotle in adobo
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Put some dried peppers in a container or bowl.
- Add enough water so that all the peppers are covered.
- Allow the peppers to soak in water for one to four hours. This will make them softer.
- Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat in a big cast-iron saucepan.
- In a pan with hot oil, sear the chuck roast on both sides until it is cooked through. When the seared chuck roast is done, remove it from the saucepan.
- In a food processor or blender, combine guajillo peppers, ancho peppers, chipotle, garlic, cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, oregano, cinnamon, and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil with little water until smooth.
- This sauce should be rubbed all over the seared chuck roast in the cooker.
- Cover the saucepan with a cover and place it in the oven for about 3 hours at 300°F to braise.
- After 3 hours, the beef should be soft and supple, readily shredded when torn with a fork.
- Enjoy when still warm.
Notes
Serve the barbacoa with warm corn tortillas, diced onions and cilantro, and your favorite salsa or hot sauce. You can also use the barbacoa as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Enjoy!