Slow-Cooked Salvadoran Barbacoa de Res with Spiced Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef barbacoa slow-cooked with traditional Salvadoran spices, paired with fluffy rice infused with garlic and tomato. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 240 minutes pairs beef chuck roast, garlic cloves, minced, medium white onion, quartered for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 195 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast 3 guajillo and 2 ancho dried chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant, then soak them in 1 cup hot water for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Blend soaked chilies with 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until smooth to create a rich marinade.
  3. Step 3: Rub the 2 lbs beef chuck roast with the chili marinade, coating evenly; let it marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 medium quartered white onion and 2 cups beef broth to the pot. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering gently for 3 hours until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, rinse 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  7. Step 7: In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  8. Step 8: Stir in 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 3 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is fluffy.
  9. Step 9: Shred the cooked beef with two forks, mixing it with the cooking juices for extra flavor.
  10. Step 10: Serve the shredded barbacoa over the spiced tomato rice, garnished with 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Salvadoran Barbacoa de Res with Spiced Rice take to make?

Total time is about 240 minutes (45 min prep + 195 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Salvadoran Barbacoa de Res with Spiced Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck roast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Salvadoran Barbacoa de Res with Spiced Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Salvadoran Barbacoa de Res with Spiced Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Salvadoran Barbacoa de Res with Spiced Rice?

Latin American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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