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Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos

This high-protein beef barbacoa is a simple way to bring the bold, smoky flavours of Mexico to your kitchen. Using a pressure cooker ensures the beef chuck roast becomes incredibly tender in a fraction of the time, soaking up a savoury marinade of chipotle chilli, earthy cumin and zesty lime. It is an ideal dish for those seeking a satisfying, homemade meal that feels indulgent while remaining packed with lean protein.

Perfect for a relaxed weekend dinner or a nutritious midweek feast, these tacos are best enjoyed with warm corn tortillas and fresh toppings. The combination of shredded beef and tangy salsa offers a wonderful balance of textures, making this recipe a reliable favourite for family gatherings. Serve with a sprinkle of salty cheese and extra lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos

  • 60ml apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 chipotle chilli in adobo, minced

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 1.1kg boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed of most fat and cut into large chunks

  • 120ml reduced-salt chicken broth or All-Purpose Chicken Stock

  • 2 bay leaves

  • Small (6-inch) corn tortillas, for serving

  • Salsa or pico de gallo, for serving

  • Cotija cheese, for serving

How to make Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos

Whisk together the vinegar, lime juice, garlic, chipotle, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and cloves in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Press Sauté and use the Sauté or Adjust button to select the highest temperature (“More”). Place the vegetable oil in the inner pot. Wait until the display reads “Hot,” about 5 minutes, then add the beef. Cook with the lid off, turning the beef every 2 minutes, until the beef is browned on most sides, about 8 minutes.

Add the vinegar sauce and the chicken broth (be careful—steam may whoosh up!), and then the bay leaves. Stir to combine.

Close and lock the lid. Set the valve to Sealing. Press Cancel, then press Manual or Pressure Cook and use the Pressure or Pressure Level button to select High Pressure. Use the – or + button to set the time to 30 minutes.

When the cooking cycle ends, press Cancel. Allow the appliance to cool and release pressure naturally, about 20 minutes. (The pressure is released when the small metal float valve next to the pressure-release valve sinks back into the lid and the lid is no longer locked.)

Remove the lid. Discard the bay leaves. Use tongs or a large spoon to remove the beef from the inner pot and place it on a cutting board. Shred the beef using two forks: Use one fork to pull off a chunk and then use two forks to shred that piece, holding down the meat with one fork and pulling at it with the other. Repeat with the remaining beef.

Serve the beef hot, piled into corn tortillas and topped with salsa and a sprinkling of Cotija cheese, if desired.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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