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Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos - Taco Tuesday just got better! This recipe for beef barbacoa has tons of flavour and makes those weeknight dinners simple through cooking with the Instant Pot. Not only is this easy to make, it's perfect for leftovers and you can use the beef in so many different ways - quesadillas, nachos, burritos and the list goes on!
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Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos

Taco Tuesday just got better! This recipe for beef barbacoa has tons of flavour and makes those weeknight dinners simple through cooking with the Instant Pot. Not only is this easy to make, it's perfect for leftovers and you can use the beef in so many different ways - quesadillas, nachos, burritos and the list goes on!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 12 tacos

Ingredients

  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 4 ounce can chopped green chilies
  • 3 chipotles in adobo sauce
  • 1 yellow onion , roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 3/4 cup beef stock
  • 1 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2-3 lb beef roast , cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 12 medium soft flour tortillas
  • optional: cilantro, onion, salsa, sour cream, avocado for serving

Instructions

  • In a blender add the garlic, green chilies, chipotles, onion, lime juice, beef stock, cumin, oregano, cloves, salt and pepper. Blend for 20-30 seconds and set aside.
  • On the Instant Pot press the "Saute" setting and add the oil. Once the oil is heated and shimmering add the beef roast chunks and sear on all sides, turning every minute or so. Press "Cancel" to turn off the heat.
  • Pour in the blended sauce and add the bay leaves, tossing to coat the meat. Securely close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the vent to "Sealing".
  • Press the "Manual" button, ensuring the setting is on Medium and then adjust the +/- buttons until the time is set for 60 minutes. Cook.
  • Once the timer goes off, carefully turn the vent to "Venting" for quick release of pressure. Wait until all the steam is released and the valve is dropped before opening the Instant Pot. Remove lid.
  • Discard bay leaves, and then using two forks shred the beef. Toss the shredded beef in the sauce allowing them to soak it up.
  • Scoop beef into tortillas. Top with desired toppings and serve immediately.

Notes

This barbacoa is also perfect for:
  • Quesadillas
  • Enchiladas
  • Burritos
  • Burrito Bowls
  • Nachos
  • Salads
  • Soup
  • Tostadas
This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker! Slow cook on High for 4 hours or on Low for 8 hours until beef is tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.