Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)

This is the BEST Instant Pot Barbacoa Beef! It's super tender, juicy, EASY and bursting with rich flavors!

Prep Time15

Cook Time35

Pressurize Time10

Total Time1

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: barbacoa beef, Chipotle Copycat recipe, Instant Pot Copycat Recipe

Servings:

Calories: 47kcal

1 3-5 pound beef chuck roast trimmed of excess fat and cut into cubes or bite-sized pieces
1 Tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup water
½ cup mild red enchilada sauce
8 ounces canned mild diced green chiles
2 chipotles in adobo sauce (more or less to taste), minced
2 Tablespoons lime juice
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1-3 teaspoons liquid smoke (depending on how "smoky" you like it)
1 Tablespoon ground cumin
1 Tablespoon ground oregano
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 bay leaves

Push SAUTE button on the Instant Pot.
Add olive oil to the pot and let it heat up. Add cubed beef and sear on all sides of the meat (takes about 5-6 minutes).
Pour in the water and "deglaze" the bottom of the Instant Pot with a wooden spatula to prevent the "burn" notice from happening.
Dump in the rest of the ingredients on top of the beef and stir to combine.
Push CANCEL button to stop the saute.
Put the lid on and turn the knob to SEALING. Set the timer for 30 minutes.
When it is done cooking, do a QUICK RELEASE of the pressure. Remove beef to a cutting board (do NOT discard juices), and shred if desired.
Add meat back to Instant Pot and toss with juices.
Remove beef with a pair of tongs to serving bowl or strain in colander so that it doesn't make your food soggy.
We love to serve this over cooked rice with your favorite toppings, but it's also delicious on tacos, nachos, salads, or in enchiladas.

If you would like “saucier” beef, add additional enchilada sauce after the beef has been shredded and added back into the pot.