This Paleo Beef Barbacoa is tender, juicy, and spiced perfectly. Chipotle copycat, made at home and just as good! Whole30, gluten free, and incredibly delicious!
Chipotle is one of the few restaurants I like eating out at. We don't have a lot of healthy options around and I know they only serve quality meat and it's easy to make a healthy meal there. It can be expensive, though so I decided to recreate my favorite meat at home and oh, it came out so good! It is moist, flavorful, and spiced just right. Did I mention it is super easy?? That's another thing I love about it.
It's made in the Instant Pot which has quickly become my favorite kitchen appliance. I've been using it weekly for meals, but I just haven't taken the time to blog about any of them-- until now. This one does not disappoint and is made in 1 hour! Tender, fall apart meat in one hour- yes, that is why I love it! If you don't have an Instant Pot, this can be made in the slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
Just like at the restaurant, I like making a bowl with it. So I made a bed of romaine lettuce, topped it with this meat, some guacamole, and salsa. So so good! You could also put it in some paleo tortillas. I've recently been loving Siete Tortillas that are sold at Whole Foods- so nice when I don't want to make them myself.
You will love how flavorful, tender and juciy this meat is! This would make a great addition to taco night instead of, or in addition to, ground beef. I'm so happy I was able to recreate this dish at home that tastes just as good as the restaurants! I know you'll love it, too!
Looking for more easy Whole30 meals? Check out my Paleo Lemon Butter Chicken, Egg Roll in a Bowl, and Whole30 Chicken Tenders.
UPDATED 11/18 with Low FODMAP instructions in the notes.
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Paleo Beef Barbacoa (Chipotle Copycat)
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chuck roast fat cut off and cut into large chunks
- 1 large onion, peeled and sliced
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 4oz can of green chilis
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoons pepper
- 3 dried chipotle peppers stems removed and broken into pieces
- juice of 3 limes
- 3 tablespoons coconut vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir.
- Place lid on, make sure vent is closed, and hit the “manual” button. Increase time to 60 minutes.
- Once done, let naturally release or press “cancel” and release the pressure.
- Remove lid, shred with a fork, and hit the “sauté” button. Stir regularly as the juices reduce. This may take up to 20-30 minutes to fully reduce.
Mimi says
Trying to make your Beef Barbacoa Chipolte Copy Cat...
How many people is this suppose to serve? i've searched the menu and cannot find that needed information.
Thanks...I'm sure its tasty.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Mimi- I don't include that because that's can vary greatly. I'd say about 7-10 depending on how it's served (tacos, salads, etc)
Lori K. says
This a great recipe! We substitute white vinegar and chipotle powder for the listed ingredients and it turns out fine/ perfect. This is our go-to recipe when we have friends over because it is always so so so good!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Lori! So glad you like it. Thanks for the great feedback!
Mary Ann says
Can I use ACVinegar instead of coconut vinegar?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Mary Ann- yes, that will work great!
Lisa says
Do you cook this and the pulled pork recipe on high or normal?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Lisa- high for both
LaLa says
This looks amazing! How would you adapt this for the slow cooker / crock pot?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi LaLa- I would cook on low 6-8 hours. Hope you try it.
Ali Mylin-Otherson says
Do you drain the chilies?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Ali- no, don't drain. Hope you love it!
Cheryl says
Approximately how many servings does this make.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Cheryl- I'd say about 8-10. Hope you love it!
Jen L says
Delicious. I ate this over mixed greens with avocado and pico de gallo for a solid whole 3 meal. I omitted the oregano, subbed apple cider vinegar for the coconut vinegar, and subbed 1 tsp chipotle powder for the dried peppers.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying it, Jen! I'm so glad you like it!
Becky says
If I don’t have the peppers but I do have chipotle chili powder, what would be the ratio substitute?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Becky- I'd say maybe 2 teaspoons of the powder. You can taste it and always add more if you want. Enjoy!
Alexis says
what are the approximate nutrition facts? or at least the calories?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Alexis- I don't calculate that, but you can use a site like My Fitness Pal to figure that out if needed.