Barbacoa is a delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or just on its own with a side of rice. The secret lies in the spices and slow cooking, making it a dish that’s packed with rich flavors. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these five easy barbacoa recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Classic Beef Barbacoa

Barbacoa Beef from Cooking Classy
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Lb chuck roast, beef broth, chipotle, lime juice, bay leaves Total Time: 8 hr 20 min.

Better Than Chipotle Beef Barbacoa from Serious Eats
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Chuck eye roast, apple cider vinegar, oxtails, dried new mexico, fish sauce Total Time: 4 hr 45 min.

Barbacoa (Slow Cooker) from Downshiftology
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Beef chuck roast, apple cider vinegar, adobo sauce, lime juice, beef stock Total Time: 8 hr 10 min.
Imagine the aroma of seasoned beef slowly cooking all day, filling your home with warmth and comfort. This classic beef barbacoa recipe uses chuck roast, which becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked low and slow. You’ll love the blend of spices like cumin, oregano, and a hint of chipotle that gives it a smoky kick.
What makes this recipe special is the cooking method—using a slow cooker or Instant Pot really brings out the flavors while you go about your day. Serve it with warm tortillas, diced onions, and fresh cilantro for a taco night that will have everyone raving!
Spicy Pulled Pork Barbacoa

Sweet Pulled Pork Barbacoa from Allrecipes
Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: Pork shoulder roast, salsa verde, brown sugar, dr, green chiles Total Time: 9 hr 10 min.

Crock Pot Barbacoa Pork from GypsyPlate
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Pork butt roast, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, adobo sauce, lime juice Total Time: 8 hr 15 min.

Sweet & Smoky Barbacoa Pulled Pork from Traeger Grills
Rating: 4.4. Ingredients: Pork shoulder, black beans, red enchilada sauce, cilantro lime rice, apple juice Total Time: 8 hr 5 min.
If you’re a fan of heat, this spicy pulled pork barbacoa is calling your name! Using pork shoulder, this recipe combines a variety of spices, including chili powder, garlic powder, and jalapeños, to create a fiery flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. The slow cooking process transforms the pork into tender shreds that soak up all those spicy goodies.
This dish is perfect for those who love to add a kick to their meals. Enjoy it in burritos, on nachos, or even as a topping for a baked potato. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it every week!
Lamb Barbacoa with Mint Sauce
Looking to switch things up? This lamb barbacoa is a unique twist that will delight your taste buds! With tender lamb shoulder, this recipe is seasoned with garlic, cumin, and a hint of cinnamon for a surprisingly delightful flavor combination. The addition of a fresh mint sauce on top adds a refreshing touch that complements the richness of the meat.
This recipe is great for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. Pair it with couscous or serve it in pita bread for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal that will impress anyone who tries it!
Chipotle Chicken Barbacoa
If chicken is your go-to protein, this chipotle chicken barbacoa is sure to become a family favorite! The chicken is marinated in a delicious mixture of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, and lime juice, creating a tangy and smoky flavor that will have your mouth watering. It cooks quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
What makes this dish stand out is its versatility—you can use it in tacos, salads, or even serve it over rice. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Vegetarian Barbacoa with Jackfruit

Vegan Barbacoa Jackfruit Street Tacos Recipe from TheVegLife
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 35 min Total Time: 35 min.

Vegan Jackfruit Barbacoa from Plant Test Kitchen
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 h 15 min Total Time: 1 h 15 min.
For those who prefer a meatless option, this vegetarian barbacoa using jackfruit is an absolute game-changer! Jackfruit has a unique texture that mimics pulled meat beautifully, and when combined with spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic, it takes on all those savory flavors. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that everyone will love, even meat-eaters!
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a fantastic choice for any meal. Serve it in tacos with avocado and lime for a fresh and tasty dinner that’s good for the planet!