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Instant Pot Authentic Beef Barbacoa is a simple, no fuss shredded beef taco recipe.  A blend of spices gets rubbed into a beef chuck, and then pressure cooked for a tender-fall apart meal that can be served in tortillas or over rice.
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Instant Pot Authentic Beef Barbacoa

Instant Pot Authentic Beef Barbacoa is a simple, no fuss shredded beef taco recipe.  A blend of spices gets rubbed into a beef chuck, and then pressure cooked for a tender-fall apart meal that can be served in tortillas or over rice. 
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Course: Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: authentic beef barbacoa, barbacoa beef, barbacoa seasoning, beef barbacoa, beef barbacoa taco, how to make beef barbacoa in the instant pot, instant pot authentic beef barbacoa, instant pot beef barbacoa, what to serve with beef barbacoa
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 565kcal
Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 Tablespoon paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon sea salt
  • 1 Tablespoon oregano
  • 3-4 Tablespoons water
  • 4-5 pound beef roast (chuck)
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • Mix together cumin, paprika, sea salt, chili powder, garlic powder and oregano.
    Instant Pot Authentic Beef Barbacoa is a simple, no fuss shredded beef taco recipe.  A blend of spices gets rubbed into a beef chuck, and then pressure cooked for a tender-fall apart meal that can be served in tortillas or over rice.
  • Add enough water to make a thick paste, approximately 3 to 4 tablespoons.
    Instant Pot Authentic Beef Barbacoa is a simple, no fuss shredded beef taco recipe.  A blend of spices gets rubbed into a beef chuck, and then pressure cooked for a tender-fall apart meal that can be served in tortillas or over rice.
  • Cut meat into large chunk approximately 3 inches long.
  • Spread paste over all sides of the beef, rubbing it into the meat as you go.
    Instant Pot Authentic Beef Barbacoa is a simple, no fuss shredded beef taco recipe.  A blend of spices gets rubbed into a beef chuck, and then pressure cooked for a tender-fall apart meal that can be served in tortillas or over rice.
  • Add beef to instant pot; pour 1 cup water around the beef. Cover and seal.
    Instant Pot Authentic Beef Barbacoa is a simple, no fuss shredded beef taco recipe.  A blend of spices gets rubbed into a beef chuck, and then pressure cooked for a tender-fall apart meal that can be served in tortillas or over rice.
  • Cook on high pressure for 75 to 90 minutes; release pressure using the quick release method.
    Instant Pot Authentic Beef Barbacoa is a simple, no fuss shredded beef taco recipe.  A blend of spices gets rubbed into a beef chuck, and then pressure cooked for a tender-fall apart meal that can be served in tortillas or over rice.
  • Shred and eat in tortillas, on a salad or over rice.
    Instant Pot Authentic Beef Barbacoa is a simple, no fuss shredded beef taco recipe.  A blend of spices gets rubbed into a beef chuck, and then pressure cooked for a tender-fall apart meal that can be served in tortillas or over rice.

Notes

  • I prefer to use a beef chuck roast due to the nice amount of fat. This makes for a tender beef barbacoa taco.
  • Cut the beef roast into large 3-inch cubes.
  • A simple blend of spices are used for the barbacoa seasoning including ground cumin, chili powder, paprika. garlic powder, sea salt and dried oregano.
  •  Cook on high pressure for 75 to 90 minutes, according to the manufacturer's instructions for your pressure cooker.  75 minutes is the minimum, but cook it for 90 minutes if you've got the time.
  • Don't forget to factor in about 20 minutes for the pressure cooker to come up to pressure. This is in addition to the cooking time.
  • Use the quick pressure release method. 
  • I used an Instant Pot. 
  • Try our other Pressure Cooker Shredded Beef Taco Recipe too. 
  • The nutritional information below is auto-calculated and can vary depending on the products used.

Nutrition

Calories: 565kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 209mg | Sodium: 1435mg | Potassium: 1119mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1049IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 8mg