Description
A tender, juicy, and smoky shredded beef recipe that is easy to make in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Packed with chipotle flavor and perfect for bowls, tacos, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pounds Chuck Roast
- 3–4 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, minced
- 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Beef Broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Let sit for 15 minutes if possible.
- Optional: Sear the roast in a hot skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a crust.
- In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, onion, garlic, orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth.
- Place the roast in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Pour the blended sauce over the beef and add beef broth.
- Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
- Instant Pot: Cook on HIGH pressure for 60 minutes, then let natural release for 15 minutes.
- Remove beef and shred with two forks. Discard large fat chunks if desired.
- Return shredded beef to the cooking juices. Let rest for 10 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Serve over rice, in tortillas, or in bowls with desired toppings.
Notes
Chuck roast is essential for tenderness; lean cuts will be dry. The citrus juice tenderizes the meat, so do not skip it. Blend the sauce until smooth for even flavor distribution. Reserve cooking juices to keep the beef moist. This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (Slow Cooker) or 1 hour 15 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with rice and
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: barbacoa, shredded beef, chipotle, slow cooker, instant pot, mexican food, meal prep, beef bowls, easy dinner