Made with a perfectly spiced sauce and tender chuck roast, Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa, is a sped-up version of a classic recipe made FAST thanks to the Instant Pot.

While not authentic, this recipe for Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa creates the most flavorful shredded beef that is perfect served over homemade tortillas or over Instant Pot Rice.

White bowl filled with shredded barbacoa next to instant pot.

What is Beef Barbacoa?

Beef Barbacoa is a Mexican dish made with beef, goat, or lamb. Traditionally, the meat is steamed in an underground oven with a rich, nuanced sauce until it is fall-apart tender.

Because the Instant Pot uses moist-heat to cook, it is the perfect vessel to recreate this dish without much effort. While it may not be authentic, the flavors and texture of the meat are spot on.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients for beef barbabcoa labeled on white counter.

Chuck Roast: A chuck roast is best for this recipe. Due to the marbling of this cut of beef, the meat will literally be melt in your mouth tender and the fat also helps to flavor the dish.
Beer: Instead of using all beef broth, I find using a small amount of beer adds depth of flavor to the sauce. Use a mild, pale lager such as Coors Light or Corona. Of course, feel free to omit the beer and replace it with additional beef stock.
Sauce: The sauce is made with several ingredients, but most are things you probably have on hand. It is a good idea to use low-sodium beef stock to control the level of salt in this recipe.

Step-By-Step Directions

Step One: Prepare Sauce

In a blender or food processor, blend beef broth with chipotle chiles, green chiles, garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and cloves until well combined.

Step Two: Sear Beef

Cut the beef into 3-4 inch cubes and season with salt and pepper.
Turn the Instant Pot saute and pour in the oil and let heat for 2-3 minutes.
Add the seasoned beef and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
Once the meat is browned, turn the Instant Pot OFF and remove the beef to a plate.
To prevent a burn warning, deglaze the inner pot by pouring in beer or beef stock and scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the inner pot.

Side by side photos showing progress of searing chuck in instant pot.

Step Three: Pressure Cook

Add the meat back into the inner pot and pour the blended sauce over the meat and add in the bay leaves.
Seal the pressure cooker and cook for 60 minutes on high pressure.
Once cook time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for at least 15 minutes.

Seared meat with mexican sauce in inner pot.

Step Four: Shred Beef

After pressure has been released, open the instant pot and remove the bay leaves. Shred the beef using 2 forks right in the inner pot, or remove and shred in a large bowl if that is easier for you.
Stir the shredded meat with the cooking liquid and the juice of fresh lime.

shredded beef in mexican sauce inside inner pot.

How to Serve Beef Barbacoa

Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa can be served in countless ways.

Serve the meat with the cooking liquid over Instant Pot Rice, Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice, or Pineapple Rice for a sweet and savory combination.
Drain off the cooking liquid and use the shredded meat to top tortillas or serve in hard taco shells. Top with shredded cabbage or diced avocado if desired.
Make Burrito Bowls using the meat and top with any desired toppings.
Replace the shredded chicken with this shredded Beef Barbacoa for the filling for delicious Enchiladas.

Beef Barbacoa in white bowl next to instant pot.

Using Frozen Beef

You can use frozen beef as long as it is cubed up before frozen. If using frozen beef, cook for 90 minutes on high pressure.

Recipe Tips

Leftover Barbacoa Beef can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Don't toss leftover canned chipotles in adobo sauce. Freeze them in an ice cube tray until sold and then pop out and place them into a freezer-safe bag. Defrost as many as needed for recipes in the future.
If you need this recipe to be Gluten-Free, omit the beer and use Gluten-Free Beef Stock.

More Instant Pot Beef Recipes

If you tried this Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa recipe, I would love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and review below.

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