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+ servings
image of beef chuck roast corn tortillas flour tortillas white onion garlic cloves beef broth apple cider vinegar fresh lime juice dried Mexican oregano ground cumin salt black pepper bay leaves ground cloves brown sugar olive oil chipotles in adobo fresh cilantro queso fresco arranged on white marble countertop with clear glass bowls rustic brown wooden kitchen sets soft diffuse daylight
adam saha

Barbacoa Beef Tacos

These smoky, spicy ground beef barbacoa tacos are quick to make and bursting with authentic Mexican flavor, ready in under an hour for a cozy family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

The Beef and Sauce
  • 2-3 lbs ground beef
  • 2 cups beef broth or stock
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 large white or yellow onion chopped roughly
  • 6-8 large garlic cloves
  • 2-3 chipotles in adobo sauce adjust for heat nível
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • black pepper freshly ground, to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves optional
For Serving
  • corn or flour tortillas for tacos
  • white onion diced
  • fresh cilantro chopped
  • queso fresco or cotija crumbled
  • lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet,
  • Food Processor or Blender
  • - Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Brown the Beef
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. While the beef is cooking, in a food processor or blender, combine the chopped onion, garlic, chipotles in adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, cloves (if using), salt, pepper, and a splash of beef broth. Blend until smooth.
  3. Add the adobo sauce to the browned beef in the skillet. Pour in the remaining beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and add the bay leaves. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the fresh lime juice at the end.
  4. Warm the tortillas. Fill with the barbacoa beef and top with diced onion, cilantro, queso fresco, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 30g

Notes

For extra smokiness, add more chipotles. This recipe is freezer-friendly; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth to keep moist.
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