How to Make Instant Pot® Barbacoa - A Step-by-Step Guide

Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish that is beloved for its rich, flavorful meat that falls apart easily. It is traditionally made by slow-cooking beef in an underground pit, but with the help of the Instant Pot®, you can achieve the same tender, succulent barbacoa in a fraction of the time. This Instant Pot® Barbacoa recipe is perfect for those craving the authentic flavors of Mexico, but don't have the time to spend hours in the kitchen.

This recipe uses a blend of aromatic spice...

Read more Snack recipes

Ingredients

  • 3 dried guajillo chile peppers
  • 3 dried pasilla chile peppers
  • 1 (4 pound) beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 servings

  • Place chile peppers in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Soak until soft, about 20 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chuck roast and season with salt and pepper. Cook meat until dark brown and crispy on all sides, 7 to 10 minutes.
  • While meat cooks, combine softened chile peppers, onion, vinegar, garlic, lime juice, cumin, oregano, agave nectar, and cinnamon in a blender. Process sauce until smooth.
  • Transfer browned meat and all juices to a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®). Stir in sauce from the blender. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 60 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.
  • Nutrition

    383 cal.

    • Total Fat: 26g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
    • Cholesterol: 103mg
    • Sodium: 89mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 8g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 27g
    • Vitamin C: 5mg
    • Calcium: 45mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 378mg