Smoky Beef Barbacoa Tacos with Charred Salsa Verde
Tender slow-cooked beef barbacoa tucked inside soft corn tortillas topped with a smoky charred tomatillo salsa for a vibrant, authentic taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 260 minutes blends trimmed beef brisket, peppers chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 5, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, trimmed beef brisket
- 2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 10 small corn tortillas
- 5 medium, husked and rinsed tomatillos
- 1, stemmed jalapeño
- 1/2 medium white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a blender, combine 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, 4 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tbsp white vinegar, 1 cup beef broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Step 2: Place 2 lbs trimmed beef brisket in a roasting pan and pour the chipotle sauce over it. Cover tightly with foil and roast in the oven for 4 hours until meat is tender and shreds easily.
- Step 3: While the beef cooks, char 5 husked tomatillos, 1 stemmed jalapeño, and 1/2 medium white onion on a hot dry skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until blackened spots appear.
- Step 4: Transfer charred vegetables to a blender with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice. Blend to a chunky salsa verde.
- Step 5: Remove beef from oven, shred with two forks, and mix with pan juices.
- Step 6: Warm 10 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20 seconds per side.
- Step 7: Assemble tacos by filling each tortilla with shredded beef and topping with 1-2 tbsp charred salsa verde. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Beef Barbacoa Tacos with Charred Salsa Verde take to make?
Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Smoky Beef Barbacoa Tacos with Charred Salsa Verde?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Beef Barbacoa Tacos with Charred Salsa Verde?
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 Smoky Beef Barbacoa Tacos with Charred Salsa Verde for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). 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 Smoky Beef Barbacoa Tacos with Charred Salsa Verde?
Mexican tacos & burritos 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.
