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Instant Pot beef barbacoa tacos for a quick, flavourful meal

These high-protein Instant Pot beef barbacoa tacos are a delightful way to enjoy tender, flavour-packed meat wrapped in warm corn tortillas. The combination of apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and a medley of spices, including chipotle chilli and cumin, creates a rich, smoky taste that’s sure to satisfy. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate a hearty meal with a kick, making it a great option for family gatherings or casual weekday dinners.

Ideal for busy lifestyles, this recipe delivers a comforting meal in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. The beef chuck roast becomes wonderfully tender in the Instant Pot, ensuring each bite is succulent and bursting with flavour. Serve these tacos with fresh salsa or pico de gallo and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for an authentic touch that elevates your dining experience while packing in the protein.

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Ingredients for Instant pot beef barbacoa tacos

  • 60 ml apple cider vinegar

  • 30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 chipotle chilli in adobo, minced

  • 10 g ground cumin

  • 10 g dried oregano

  • 5 g salt

  • 2.5 g freshly ground black pepper

  • 1.25 g ground cloves

  • 30 ml vegetable oil

  • 1,125 g boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed of most fat, cut into large chunks

  • 120 ml reduced-salt chicken stock

  • 2 bay leaves

  • small (15 cm) corn tortillas, for serving

  • salsa or pico de gallo, for serving

  • cotija cheese, for serving

How to make Instant pot beef barbacoa tacos

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

  2. Press the Sauté function and select the highest temperature setting. Pour the vegetable oil into the inner pot. Wait until the display indicates “Hot,” which should take about 5 minutes, then add the minced beef. Cook with the lid off, turning the beef every 2 minutes, until browned on most sides, approximately 8 minutes.

  3. Add the vinegar sauce and the chicken stock to the pot, taking care as steam may escape. Add the bay leaves and stir to combine.

  4. Close and lock the lid. Set the valve to Sealing. Press Cancel, then select Manual or Pressure Cook and choose High Pressure. Adjust the cooking time to 30 minutes using the – or + buttons.

  5. When the cooking cycle ends, press Cancel and allow the appliance to cool, releasing pressure naturally for about 20 minutes. The pressure is released when the small metal float valve sinks back into the lid, and the lid is no longer locked.

  6. Remove the lid and discard the bay leaves. Use tongs or a large spoon to transfer the beef to a cutting board. Shred the beef using two forks: hold one fork to secure the meat and use the other to pull apart chunks. Repeat with the remaining beef.

  7. 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.

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Article history

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

  • 7 Aug 2025 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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