Beef Barbacoa Burrito: Your Ultimate Guide to a Mexican Classic

Let’s be honest, some days just call for a burrito. Not the average, grab-and-go kind, but one that feels like a meal worth savoring: juicy, bold, and bursting with flavor. That’s where my Beef Barbacoa Burrito steps in. This isn’t just dinner, it’s an experience wrapped in a tortilla.

Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual get-together, meal prepping for the week, or just looking to spice up your usual dinner rotation, this recipe fits the bill. The beef is slow-cooked until it practically falls apart, drenched in a smoky, zesty sauce that’s deeply satisfying. And the best part? You can load up your burrito with all the toppings your heart desires, rice, beans, guac, cheese, salsa, you name it.

Get ready to meet your new favorite burrito. Let’s dive in.

Here’s Why You’re Gonna Love This Beef Barbacoa Burrito

• Unmatched Flavor: The beef barbacoa is marinated in a blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in meat that’s both tender and flavorful.
• Versatility: This burrito is a blank canvas. Add your favorite toppings, switch up the fillings, or even transform it into a bowl.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your palate, making it perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.
• Family Favorite: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.

Recipe Card

Beef Barbacoa Burrito

Recipe by Souhail

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: LunchCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

8

hours 

Calories

650

kcal

A flavorful burrito filled with tender, slow-cooked beef barbacoa and your favorite toppings.

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Ingredients

• For the Beef Barbacoa

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks

• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

• 1 cup beef broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Burrito Assembly

• Large flour tortillas

• Cooked rice (white or cilantro-lime)

• Black beans, drained and rinsed

• Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

• Sour cream

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Diced tomatoes

• Sliced avocado or guacamole

• Salsa or hot sauce (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Beef Barbacoa: In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, garlic, vinegar, lime juice, and beef broth. Blend until smooth. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper.
• Place them in a slow cooker and pour the blended sauce over the meat. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks and mix it with the juices in the slow cooker.
• Assemble the Burritos: Warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable. In the center of each tortilla, layer rice, black beans, shredded beef barbacoa, cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and cilantro. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly from the bottom.
• Serve: Slice the burritos in half if desired and serve with your favorite salsa or hot sauce on the side.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels to taste.
• Customize toppings as desired.
• For extra depth of flavor, prepare the beef barbacoa a day ahead, the flavors intensify beautifully overnight.

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Little Burrito Secrets That Make a Big Difference

Want to make your beef barbacoa burrito taste like it came from your favorite taquería? Here are a few of my favorite tricks that take it from good to oh wow:

• Give the meat a quick sear. Before you toss the beef into the slow cooker, brown it in a hot pan for a few minutes. It adds a layer of rich, savory flavor that’s totally worth the extra step.
• Warm those tortillas! Cold tortillas crack and tear. A quick flip on a hot skillet or 10 seconds in the microwave makes them soft and rollable.
• Don’t overstuff. I know it’s tempting to pile on the fillings (I’ve been there), but a burrito that won’t close is a burrito that ends up everywhere but your mouth.
• Make it your own. Want it spicier? Go for it. Not a fan of beans? Skip ‘em. This burrito is totally customizable, so feel free to play with the fillings. Need ideas for zesty sides or add-ons? Try pairing it with this Garlic Parmesan Sauce, it’s great drizzled over or served on the side.
• Double the beef, save for later. Barbacoa freezes like a dream. Make a double batch and thank yourself later on a busy night.

Trust me, once you’ve made this a couple of times, you’ll start adding your own little twists. It’s the kind of recipe that gets better every time you make it!

You’ve Got Questions? I’ve Got Burrito Answers!

Let’s Wrap It Up (Literally!)

I hope you’re just as excited as I am about this beef barbacoa burrito, it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds. Whether you go classic or put your own spin on it, you really can’t go wrong with tender beef, warm tortillas, and all those tasty toppings.

If you want to dive deeper into the star of this burrito, check out the full Beef Barbacoa Recipe for more ways to use it beyond burritos!

And if you’re looking for more flavor-packed favorites, you might also enjoy these recipes from the blog:

• Craving more beefy goodness? Try this juicy Beef Quesadilla Recipe
• For a fun twist, check out this saucy and satisfying Mexican Pizza Recipe
• Or spice things up with these incredible Chicken Birria Tacos

Thanks for cooking with us today! If you give this burrito a try (and we really hope you do), tag us on social or drop a comment to let us know how it turned out. We’d love to see your delicious creations!

Happy rolling and even happier eating!