This Beef Barbacoa Instant Pot Recipe is a copycat recipe of the Chipotle Beef Barbacoa. It has been a hit with our family for a fraction of the cost of going out to eat.
Beef Barbacoa is a super tender and juicy recipe, full of flavor! Using the Instant Pot makes this a fast and easy recipe you can throw together even on a busy weeknight!

Beef Barbacoa Instant Pot Recipe
This Beef Barbacoa recipe goes wonderfully with my Southwestern Pinto Beans and Homemade Flour Tortilla recipes.
And be sure to check out all of my other Instant Pot Recipes!
- Beef and Broccoli
- Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Instant Pot Chili Recipe
- Creamy Tomato Soup
- Brussels Sprouts in 3 minutes
- Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes
- Beef Stew
- Pressure Cooker Pot Roast
- Orange Marmalade Butter Recipe
- Shredded Beef Recipe for Tacos
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! If you don’t have an IP you can make this recipe in a crock pot. Cover and slow cook low for 6 – 8 hours. Just make sure to sear the beef before you put it in the cooker.
How to serve Beef Barbacoa:
This mouthwatering beef recipe is great in soft or hard taco shells, as a burrito ingredient, nacho topping or in a burrito bowl. Keep it low-carb by using this Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice recipe! I like to top it with a bit of sour cream and avocado too.
Instant Pot Copycat Chipotle Beef Barbacoa
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: about 1 hr.
Total time: 1 hr., 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS:

- 2.5 lbs. beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes or large chunks
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 3 TBSP minced garlic
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 3 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cooking oil


INSTRUCTIONS:
- Turn your Instant Pot on to sauté function. Set aside and allow to heat up while you make the marinade.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, add your water, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Once your instant pot is hot, pour in your cooking oil. Place all of your meat, Garlic, and onions into the instant pot. Brown the meat completely.
- Once your meat is browned, pour in your marinade over the meat. Stir well until the meat is covered in the marinade.
- Close the Instant pot by twisting the lid on and closing the valve by pushing it away from you. Set the instant pot to high pressure for 30 minutes. It will take some time to build to pressure.
- Once your 30-minute timer is done, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for another 15 minutes. Once the 15 minutes is done, manually release the instant pot by using a hot pad or towel to twist the valve toward you and open.
- Remove the meat from the Instant Pot to a cutting board. Shred with two forks.
- Enjoy your copycat chipotle Barbacoa Beef with rice, and a taco topped with cilantro and lime, or just by itself! Enjoy!


Beef Barbacoa Instant Pot Recipe
Chipotle Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast cut into 2-inch cubes or large chunks
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 3 tbsp Garlic minced
- 3/4 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Lime Juice
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Cumin
- 3 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Cooking Oil
Instructions
-
Turn your Instant Pot on to sauté function. Set aside and allow to heat up while you make the marinade.
-
In a small bowl or measuring cup, add your water, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix well until fully incorporated.
-
Once your instant pot is hot, pour in your cooking oil. Place all of your meat, Garlic, and onions into the instant pot. Brown the meat completely.
-
Once your meat is browned, pour in your marinade over the meat. Stir well until the meat is covered in the marinade.
-
Close the Instant pot by twisting the lid on and closing the valve by pushing it away from you. Set the instant pot to high pressure for 30 minutes. It will take some time to build to pressure.
-
Once your 30-minute timer is done, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release for another 15 minutes. Once the 15 minutes is done, manually release the instant pot by using a hot pad or towel to twist the valve toward you and open.
-
Remove the meat from the Instant Pot to a cutting board. Shred with two forks.
-
Enjoy your copycat chipotle Barbacoa Beef with rice, and a taco topped with cilantro and lime, or just by itself! Enjoy!