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Home » Recipes » Barbacoa de Res (Beef Barbacoa) + VIDEO

Barbacoa de Res (Beef Barbacoa) + VIDEO

Last Updated August 22, 2019. Originally Posted January 25, 2018 By Maggie Unzueta

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Barbacoa de Res is a Mexican food favorite made on holidays and special occasions. The meat is cooked for hours in a savory, red chile sauce. Serve with tortillas and lime.
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Barbacoa de Res (or Beef Barbacoa) tastes out of this world. With strong, bold flavors and meat that has been cooking for hours. Serve with tortillas, onions, avocado, and lime. Enjoy! By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Barbacoa de Res, or Beef Barbacoa, is a Mexican food favorite usually made on holidays and special occasions.

The meat is cooked for hours in a savory, red chile sauce. It’s out of this world delicious!

Barbacoa de Res tastes out of this world. With strong, bold flavors and meat that has been cooking for hours. Serve with tortillas, onions, avocado, and lime. Enjoy! By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Like most Mexican moms, my mom in an incredible cook.

She works magic in the kitchen even though I have never seen her use a wand.

I can’t tell you which of allllll her dishes is my favorite. I love her Sopa de Conchas and her Red Pork Tamales.

However, among my friends and family, she is known for her Barbacoa de Res.

Once she walked into a party with a big pot of barbacoa, and people literally started cheering. I can’t make this stuff up!

It took some persuading, but she finally agreed to share and video record how she makes this amazing dish.

My friends, you’re in for a real treat from an authentic Mexican abuela!

Barbacoa de Res tastes out of this world. With strong, bold flavors and meat that has been cooking for hours. Serve with tortillas, onions, avocado, and lime. Enjoy! By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

How to Make Barbacoa de Res

Barbacoa de Res (or Beef Barbacoa) starts with a large beef chuck roast.

Add salt and ground cumin on one side and set aside.

Add a thin layer of oil to the bottom of the large stockpot. About ¼ cup oil. Place the seasoned side down into the pot.

It’ a lot of cumin, I know. It gives a lot of flavor.

Cumin is a must, my mom says.

Don’t be afraid to add all the cumin the recipe calls for cuz it’s not “”cumin” to get ya. 🙂

Barbacoa de Res tastes out of this world. With strong, bold flavors and meat that has been cooking for hours. Serve with tortillas, onions, avocado, and lime. Enjoy! By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This recipe for Barbacoa de Res is not hard at all and extremely deep in flavors.

I know. I know. Some of you will be tempted to skip the searing step. Please don’t skip this step!

When you season the meat and sear it, it will lock in the flavor. You want all the yumminess you can get!!

Add more salt and more ground cumin to the unseasoned top.

Carefully flip the meat to sear both sides.

Color means flavor in the cooking world.

Unless it is black, and that means burned… And no one wants that!

If your meat burns, you will need to start from scratch. Be sure to wash the pot very carefully.

The burned smell lingers for days.


What Types of Meat are Ideal for Stewing


Chuck
Bone-in short rib
Bottom Sirloin Flap
Oxtail
Brisket
Beef Shanks

Barbacoa is traditionally made with chuck. You can also use flap and brisket.

However, you can make it using the other cuts of meats, but then it would not really be Barbacoa de Res.

Barbacoa de Res tastes out of this world. With strong, bold flavors and meat that has been cooking for hours. Serve with tortillas, onions, avocado, and lime. Enjoy! By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Toast the chiles and garlic for the sauce. You don’t want this to burn.

Guajillo Chiles are basically dried mirasol chiles.

Turn frequently with a pair of tongs.

How to Store Dried Chiles:

Dried chiles are prone to insects especially if they are not stored probably.

If you find yourself with extra guajillo chiles after you make this Barbacoa de Res recipe, this is what you do..

Store them in an airtight container in your cupboard.

However, the freezer is the best! Yes, you read that right.

My mom was totally shocked when I told her, but it works great!

They will store for up to a year in the freezer.

I recommend using them within 3-6 months, or you’ll be sacrificing taste.

Barbacoa de Res tastes out of this world. With strong, bold flavors and meat that has been cooking for hours. Serve with tortillas, onions, avocado, and lime. Enjoy! By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Add the chiles and garlic to a blender along with the vinegar and salt. Blend until smooth.

Some people will strain the sauce for a finer texture.

This is totally up to you.

My mom says that straining is good, but not a requirement to make the sauce.

I’m totally ok with my “no strain, no gain method.” 🙂

Making the Barbacoa Sauce Ahead of Time:

I am all about making cooking simple.

My recommendation is to make the sauce a day or two days ahead of time.

Especially if you’re throwing a party and feeding your guests Barbacoa de Res, it just makes life a lot easier.

The sauce will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.

Or, you can freeze the sauce and it will last up to 6 months.

To freeze the sauce, place in a freezer plastic bag. Try to remove as much air as possible.

Thaw completely the day of use.

What’s the Difference between Birria de Res and Barbacoa de Res

They are virtually the same thing with one big difference. They even have the same toppings.

Birria de Res is more of a stew and served in a bowl.

Barbacoa de Res is drier. Served on a plate next to frijoles de la olla and few dozen tortillas.

You will sometimes see barbacoa served as tacos.

Barbacoa de Res tastes out of this world. With strong, bold flavors and meat that has been cooking for hours. Serve with tortillas, onions, avocado, and lime. Enjoy! By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

After the meat has been cooking for 1 hour, add the chile sauce and bay leaves.

Let simmer for an additional 1 hour.

Up to now, this Barbacoa de Res recipe has been made on the stove. You can also make it in other ways.

How to Make Slow Cooker Barbacoa de Res:

You can’t skip the searing. It’s essential for developing and holding in flavors.

Place the meat in the crockpot. Pour sauce on top.

Set on low for 6 hours, or high for 4 hours.

How to Make Instant Pot Barbacoa de Res:

Press the Saute button. Add oil.

Season, then sear the meat on both sides. Add the sauce.

Press the Pressure Cook button. Set timer for 45 minutes. Full natural release. Enjoy.

Serve with raw onions, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and extra sauce.

For sides, you can serve the Barbacoa de Res with Mexican rice and refried beans. Those are always good choices.

For a healthier side, you can serve Ensalada de Nopalitos or even just a simple green salad.

The smell is amazing, and the taste is unreal. Don’t forget the tortillas to make tacos.

Hope you enjoy!

Watch Maggie and Her Mom Make
Barbacoa de Res

Barbacoa de Res tastes out of this world. With strong, bold flavors and meat that has been cooking for hours. Serve with tortillas, onions, avocado, and lime. Enjoy! By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Barbacoa de Res

Barbacoa de Res is a Mexican food favorite made on holidays and special occasions. The meat is cooked for hours in a savory, red chile sauce. Serve with tortillas and lime.
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Maggie Unzueta

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup oil
  • 3-4 lbs chuck roast beef
  • Salt
  • 4 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 cups water - divided
  • 6 dried guajillo chiles
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 3 bay leaves
  • Toppings:
  • Cilantro chopped (optional)
  • Raw onions optional
  • Lime optional

Instructions

  • In a large stock pot, heat the oil.
  • Add salt and 2 tablespoons of ground cumin to one side of the beef.
  • Place the beef in the stock pot with the seasoned side down.
  • While the bottom is browning, add salt and 2 tablespoons ground cumin to the unseasoned top of the beef.
  • Once the beef is brown on the bottom, turn the beef and brown the top.
  • (Roughly 4-5 minutes on each side).
  • Brown the sides as best you can.
  • Add 1 cup of water to the pot.
  • Turn the flame to low.
  • Cover and cook for 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, toast the dried guajillo chile and garlic. About 2 minutes.
  • Turn often, or they will burn.
  • Add the guajillo, garlic, ½ water, 1 cup vinegar, and salt to a blender.
  • Blend until smooth.
  • Add the guajillo sauce and bay leaves to the pot.
  • Add ½ cup of water to the blender.
  • Cover with the lid and gently shake to get the last of the sauce.
  • Add the blender remains to the pot.
  • With a cooking spoon, coat the meat with the sauce.
  • Cover and cook for 1 more hour.
  • Top with raw onions and cilantro.
  • Serve with tortillas and lime.
  • Enjoy!

Video

Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.


Mexican Beef Recipes

Check out more tasty Mexican beef recipes that you and your family are sure to love.

Beef with Roasted Poblano Chile and Potatoes (or Carne de Res con Rajas y Papas)

Beef with Roasted Poblano Chile and Potatoes, or Carne de Res con Rajas y Papas, is a delicious and spicy dish. Mexican comfort food at its best.

Slow Cooker: Birria de Res, or Mexican Beef Stew + VIDEO

Birria de Res is a traditional Mexican stew, the perfect comfort food with rich, bold flavors that your tastebuds will enjoy.

Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)

Caldo de Res is a delicious and hearty Mexican Beef Soup with a robust broth. With bone-in portions and large vegetable chunks, a big bowl of this dish is a winter favorite in Mexico.

Classic Ground Beef Taquitos

Classic Ground Beef Taquitos. Crunchy and delicious appetizers. Dip them into salsa or guacamole, and it’s like a piñata breaking in your mouth.

Caldillo Durangueño, a Traditional Beef Stew from Durango, Mexico

Caldillo Durangueño, a traditional beef stew from Durango, Mexico. Deep, robust, and full of delicious chile flavors in a tomato broth.

Braised Chile Colorado Beef Shanks, or Chamorros con Chile Colorado

Braised Chile Colorado Beef Shanks is a delicious dish that is deep in flavor. It’s a great example of Mexican comfort food sure to be loved by your entire family.

What is your mom’s favorite dish?

Filed Under: Beef, Mexican, Recipes

About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jaime

    August 19, 2021 at 6:50 pm

    5 stars
    Made this last night for the family! Family practically licked the pot clean!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      September 14, 2021 at 9:58 am

      Lol. Your family sounds like mine. So glad they enjoyed it!

      Reply
  2. Anonymous

    November 4, 2021 at 9:39 am

    I’m making this tonight. I reduced the vinegar to 1/4 cup. The first time I made it, it was too much vinegar and my family couldn’t eat. Overall great recipe.

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      November 8, 2021 at 8:24 am

      Adjust this recipe as you see fit. This is my mom’s recipe, but I won’t tell her. 😉 lol.

      Reply
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iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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