Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 spicy barbacoa recipes that will elevate your taco game! Barbacoa, a popular Mexican dish, typically refers to slow-cooked meat – usually beef or pork – cooked in a rich and flavorful broth. But we’re taking it up a notch by adding a spicy kick to each and every one of these mouthwatering recipes. From classic tacos and burritos to innovative twists like quesadillas and tamales, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a new adventure in the kitchen, these 18 spicy barbacoa recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So go ahead, get cooking, and let the fiesta begin!
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa Tacos
This recipe is a twist on traditional Mexican barbacoa, with tender beef and bold flavors that’ll transport you to the streets of Mexico. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can serve up delicious tacos for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef brisket or chuck roast
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup tomato paste
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp oregano
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and your favorite toppings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Add the beef, garlic, beef broth, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Shred the beef with two forks and stir in any accumulated juices.
5. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
6. Assemble tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto tortillas and topping as desired.
Cook Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Authentic Mexican Lamb Barbacoa
Experience the rich flavors of Mexico with this slow-cooked lamb barbacoa recipe, a staple of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder or neck, cut into large chunks
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb chunks in batches until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch.
2. Add the onions, garlic, and jalapeño to the pot; cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot; stir to combine.
4. Pour in the lamb broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Braise the barbacoa for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the lamb is tender and falls apart easily.
6. Serve the barbacoa warm, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Pork Barbacoa with Pineapple Salsa
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this mouthwatering Pork Barbacoa recipe, served with a tangy and sweet Pineapple Salsa.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Barbacoa:
– 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pineapple Salsa:
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven, brown the pork shoulder in a little oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours or until the pork is tender.
3. Prepare the Pineapple Salsa by combining all ingredients in a bowl. Stir well to combine.
4. Serve the Pork Barbacoa with warm tortillas and top with the Pineapple Salsa.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Barbacoa
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this spicy chipotle chicken barbacoa recipe, perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a sandwich filling. This recipe combines tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, and tangy lime juice for a flavorful and spicy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 8-10 corn tortillas (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook for 6-8 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir in lime juice.
6. Serve with tortillas, your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Barbacoa Beef Birria Tacos
Discover the bold flavors of Mexico with this recipe for Barbacoa Beef Birria Tacos, featuring tender beef short ribs slow-cooked in a rich birria broth and served in crispy tacos.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef short ribs
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup birria broth (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Lime wedges, for serving
– Optional toppings: diced onions, cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown the short ribs in oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in birria broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or until tender.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble tacos by placing short ribs onto warmed tortillas and serving with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3 hours, including braising time
Oven-Roasted Goat Barbacoa
This rich and flavorful recipe transforms goat meat into a tender, slow-cooked delight. Perfect for cold winter nights or special occasions, oven-roasted goat barbacoa is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds goat meat (or beef), cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– Lime wedges and warm tortillas for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the goat meat in batches, then set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened.
4. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the browned goat meat, chicken broth, and red wine (if using); cover the pot.
6. Roast for 2-1/2 hours or until the goat is tender.
7. Serve with cilantro, lime wedges, and warm tortillas.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Barbacoa-Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Elevate your Mexican-inspired dinner with this flavorful recipe that combines tender beef barbacoa with roasted poblano peppers. Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large poblano peppers
– 1 pound beef barbacoa (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar), for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast the poblano peppers by placing them on a baking sheet and drizzling with olive oil. Roast for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until skin is blistered and charred.
3. Remove peppers from oven and let cool. Peel off skin, then slice off tops and remove seeds.
4. In a large skillet, cook barbacoa over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Stuff each pepper with the cooked barbacoa mixture, top with shredded cheese (if using), and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes
Smoky Barbacoa Beef Sliders
These Smoky Barbacoa Beef Sliders are a game-changer for your next backyard BBQ or casual gathering. Slow-cooked beef in a rich, smoky barbacoa sauce is piled high onto toasted buns and topped with creamy slaw and crispy tortilla strips.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket or flank steak
– 1/4 cup barbacoa sauce
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 hamburger buns
– Slaw (store-bought or homemade)
– Tortilla strips (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, combine beef, barbacoa sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then cover and cook for 8-10 hours or until tender.
4. Assemble sliders by slicing the cooked beef thinly and placing it on toasted buns.
5. Top with slaw and tortilla strips.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (slow cooker) or 2-3 hours (oven)
Barbacoa Quesadillas with Avocado Crema
Savor the flavors of Mexico with these tender, cheesy quesadillas filled with slow-cooked barbacoa beef and served with a creamy avocado crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket or chuck
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 lime, juiced
– Cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a Dutch oven or slow cooker, cook the beef in beef broth with onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until tender.
3. Meanwhile, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, and spoon barbacoa beef onto half of the tortilla.
5. Fold tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and melted.
6. Serve with Avocado Crema (see below).
Avocado Crema:
1. Peel and pit avocados, then mash with lime juice and a pinch of salt.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (beef cooking time) + 10-15 minutes (quesadilla cooking time)
Instant Pot Barbacoa Burrito Bowls
Experience the flavors of Mexico with this easy and delicious recipe, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket or chuck roast, cut into large chunks
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and cook the beef until browned, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Press the “Meat/Stew” button or “Manual” mode and cook at high pressure for 30 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
6. Shred the beef with two forks and serve in bowls with tortillas, cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado (if using).
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Barbacoa Enchiladas with Red Chile Sauce
This recipe combines tender barbacoa beef, wrapped in tortillas and smothered in a rich red chile sauce, making for a delicious and authentic Mexican dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket or shank, cooked in liquid until tender
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1/4 cup lard or vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (16 oz) red enchilada sauce
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped onions, cilantro, and sour cream for topping
Instructions:
1. Shred the cooked barbacoa beef into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large skillet, warm tortillas over medium heat with lard or oil until soft and pliable.
3. Assemble enchiladas by wrapping tortillas around shredded beef and placing seam-side down in a baking dish.
4. Pour red chile sauce over the enchiladas, sprinkling with cumin and seasonings as desired.
5. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Barbacoa Tostadas with Pickled Onions
This recipe combines tender barbacoa beef with crunchy tostadas and a tangy kick from pickled onions. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound barbacoa beef (or substitute with shredded beef or chicken)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Vegetable oil for brushing
– 1/4 cup pickled onion mixture (see below)
– Salt, to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco
Pickled Onion Mixture:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Brush both sides of tortillas with vegetable oil and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
3. Cook barbacoa beef according to package instructions or cook your own beef brisket with lime juice, garlic, and spices.
4. Assemble tostadas by spreading a spoonful of barbacoa beef onto each tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of pickled onions and any desired toppings.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Barbacoa Empanadas with Lime Crema
Barbacoa Empanadas with Lime Crema Recipe
Summary: These empanadas combine the flavors of slow-cooked barbacoa beef, onions, and spices with a flaky pastry crust, topped with a tangy lime crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 package empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 lb barbacoa beef (cooked and shredded)
– 1/2 cup caramelized onions
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Lime crema (see below for recipe)
– Optional: chopped cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out empanada dough to desired thickness.
3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of barbacoa beef mixture onto one half of the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
4. Fold dough in half and press edges together to seal.
5. Brush tops with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with lime crema (recipe below).
Lime Crema Recipe:
– 8 oz sour cream
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Barbacoa Nachos with Queso Fresco
Elevate your nacho game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines tender barbacoa beef, creamy queso fresco, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or beef shank, slow-cooked in barbacoa sauce (see note)
– 1 cup queso fresco, crumbled
– 1 bag tortilla chips
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, salsa, or diced onions for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Spoon slow-cooked barbacoa beef over the chips.
4. Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco and chopped cilantro over the beef.
5. Top with sliced jalapeño pepper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Barbacoa Tamales with Salsa Verde
Tamales are a staple of Mexican cuisine, and when filled with tender barbacoa beef, they become an unforgettable treat. This recipe combines the comforting warmth of tamales with the tangy brightness of salsa verde, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
For the tamales:
– 2 cups masa harina
– 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon salt
For the barbacoa filling:
– 1 pound beef brisket, cut into small pieces
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the salsa verde:
– 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Soak corn husks in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Mix masa harina with lard or shortening, beef broth, and salt until a dough forms.
3. Fill corn husks with the barbacoa filling and fold them.
4. Steam tamales for about 1 hour.
5. Meanwhile, combine salsa verde ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
6. Serve tamales with warm salsa verde.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Barbacoa-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes and barbacoa, a match made in heaven! This recipe combines the comforting warmth of roasted sweet potatoes with the bold flavors of traditional Mexican barbacoa.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 pound beef barbacoa (slow-cooked or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork several times and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. While sweet potatoes are roasting, warm barbacoa according to package instructions or reheat it in the microwave.
4. Once sweet potatoes are done, slice them open lengthwise and top each with warmed barbacoa, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour (including roasting time)
Barbacoa Gorditas with Refried Beans
Experience the flavors of Mexico with this simple and delicious recipe for Barbacoa Gorditas with Refried Beans.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or chuck, cut into small pieces
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 gordita shells (homemade or store-bought)
– Refried beans recipe below
Refried Beans:
– 1 cup cooked pinto beans
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef in oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
2. Add oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper; stir well.
3. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until meat is tender.
4. Warm gordita shells by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble the Barbacoa Gorditas: place refried beans on each shell, then add shredded beef and top with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (barbacoa), 10-15 minutes (refried beans)
Barbacoa Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs
Elevate your breakfast game with this Mexican-inspired dish that combines tender barbacoa, crispy chilaquiles, and creamy fried eggs.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– 1/2 cup shredded beef barbacoa (cooked according to package instructions)
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying eggs
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut tortillas into quarters and fry in hot oil until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a separate pan, cook chopped onion and jalapeño until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add barbacoa to the pan and stir to combine with onion mixture.
5. Assemble chilaquiles by layering tortilla quarters, barbacoa mixture, and grated cheese in a baking dish.
6. Fry eggs in hot oil until cooked through. Place on top of chilaquiles.
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your taco game with these 18 bold and flavorful barbacoa recipes! From classic slow cooker beef barbacoa tacos to innovative twists like pork barbacoa with pineapple salsa, there’s something for every taste bud. Try oven-roasted goat barbacoa, barbacoa-stuffed poblano peppers, or smoky barbacoa beef sliders – the possibilities are endless! With a range of recipes from chicken to lamb and even sweet potatoes, you’ll never get bored with these spicy barbacoa recipes.