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Barbacoa Street Tacos Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Barbacoa Street Tacos Recipe

When I made barbacoa street tacos for the first time, it felt like a celebration in every bite. The slow-cooked beef, rich with smoky spices, paired perfectly with the vibrant freshness of the toppings. Each step of the process made my kitchen smell irresistible.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • For the Barbacoa
  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • For the Tacos
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 lime wedged
  • 1 cup fresh mango pico de gallo

Method
 

  1. Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the beef pieces until golden brown on all sides. This step locks in the flavor and creates a crust on the meat.
  2. Next, transfer the beef into a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, vinegar, lime juice, and beef broth. Sprinkle in all the spices, including cumin, oregano, paprika, and chipotle powder. Stir everything to coat the beef evenly.
  3. Cover and cook the barbacoa on low for 6-8 hours (or on high for 4 hours), until the beef becomes tender and easily shreds with a fork. If using a Dutch oven, cook in the oven at 300°F for 4-5 hours.
  4. Remove the cooked beef from the pot and shred it with two forks. If you like crispy edges, spread the shredded beef onto a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 5-7 minutes. This extra step will give the barbacoa a delicious texture.
  5. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven. Place a generous amount of barbacoa onto each tortilla and top with fresh mango pico de gallo, cilantro, and onion. Squeeze a wedge of lime over the top before serving.