Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish with a rich history. It’s originally made by slow-cooking meat in a pit.
Today, it’s typically made with beef, lamb, or pork, all seasoned with smoky spices like chipotle and cumin. The result is always tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Here are 34 ways to enjoy barbacoa that will take your meals to the next level.
1. Barbacoa Tamales
Barbacoa tamales are a game changer. The masa adds a soft texture while the tender barbacoa delivers rich, smoky flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
2. Barbacoa Burritos
Barbacoa burritos are always a crowd-pleaser. Wrap that juicy meat, rice, beans, and toppings inside a big tortilla.
Full recipe: click here.
3. Barbacoa Brisket
Barbacoa brisket is a true treat. The slow-cooking process makes the brisket melt in your mouth.
Full recipe: click here.
4. Barbacoa Crock Pot Tacos
Barbacoa tacos made in the crock pot are an absolute breeze. Just toss in your meat and spices, let the pot do its thing, and you’re set.
Full recipe: click here.
5. Cow Cheek Barbacoa
Cow cheek barbacoa is one of the most tender cuts you’ll find. The cheek meat is packed with flavor and gets soft after slow cooking.
Full recipe: click here.
6. Cheek Meat Barbacoa Instant Pot
If you’re in a rush, cheek meat barbacoa in the Instant Pot is your new best friend. It cooks fast but still gives you that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Full recipe: click here.
7. Barbacoa Sliders
Barbacoa sliders are small sandwiches filled with tender, smoky beef. Perfect for parties, these sliders are topped with tangy pickles and creamy sauce for extra flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
8. Barbacoa Empanada
Barbacoa empanadas are the perfect combination of crispy and tender. The flaky crust holds the rich, flavorful barbacoa inside.
Full recipe: click here.
9. Shredded Barbacoa Beef
Shredded barbacoa beef is tender, flavorful, and ideal for a variety of dishes like tacos, burritos, or nachos. It’s slow-cooked until it practically falls apart.
Full recipe: click here.
10. Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef
Slow cooker barbacoa beef is a lifesaver. Toss your beef into the slow cooker with some spices, and let the magic happen.
Full recipe: click here.
11. Barbacoa Tostadas
Barbacoa tostadas take everything you love about tacos and make it crispy. The tostada shell holds up well against the juicy barbacoa, giving you that satisfying crunch with each bite.
Full recipe: click here.
12. Barbacoa Enchiladas
Barbacoa enchiladas are an amazing twist on a classic dish. You roll up the tender barbacoa in tortillas and bake it all with enchilada sauce.
Full recipe: click here.
13. Barbacoa Beef Tacos
Barbacoa beef tacos are the epitome of simple but delicious. Shredded beef, a soft tortilla, and some cilantro and onion are all you need.
Full recipe: click here.
14. Chipotle Barbacoa
If you love Chipotle’s barbacoa, making it at home is easy. Chipotle peppers give the meat a nice smoky kick, and the slow cooking makes it tender and juicy.
Full recipe: click here.
15. Pizza Barbacoa
Pizza barbacoa might sound strange, but it’s a delicious twist on a classic. Imagine smoky barbacoa, gooey cheese, and all your favorite pizza toppings on a crispy crust.
Full recipe: click here.
16. Barbacoa Nachos
Barbacoa nachos are next-level good. Pile your tortilla chips high with smoky barbacoa, melted cheese, and any other toppings you love.
Full recipe: click here.
17. Barbacoa Salad
Barbacoa salad is a refreshing twist on the traditional taco. Tender barbacoa is served over fresh greens, with crisp veggies and your favorite toppings.
Full recipe: click here.
18. Keto Barbacoa
Keto barbacoa is a delicious low-carb alternative for those on the ketogenic diet. Skip the tortillas and serve the rich, smoky meat with lettuce wraps or a simple salad.
Full recipe: click here.
19. Barbacoa Street Tacos
Barbacoa street tacos feature tender, slow-cooked beef tucked into soft tortillas, topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. These tacos burst with flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
20. Barbacoa de Puerco
Barbacoa de puerco is a pork variation of the classic barbacoa. It offers a lighter, slightly sweeter flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
21. Barbacoa Ramen
Barbacoa ramen combines two comfort foods into one. Tender, shredded barbacoa is added to a bowl of steaming ramen, creating a savory, flavorful dish.
Full recipe: click here.
22. Mexican Barbacoa
Mexican barbacoa is the heart and soul of traditional cooking. This slow-cooked dish is packed with smoky, spicy flavors that make every bite a delight.
Full recipe: click here.
23. Barbacoa de Borrego
Barbacoa de borrego is a lamb-based version of barbacoa, cooked to tender perfection with traditional spices. It’s a flavorful dish often served for special occasions.
Full recipe: click here.
24. Chuck Roast Barbacoa Instant Pot
Using a chuck roast and an Instant Pot, this barbacoa recipe cooks beef quickly while maintaining its tender texture and rich, smoky flavor. Great for busy weeknights.
Full recipe: click here.
25. Barbacoa Pork
Barbacoa pork is a flavorful variation of the classic beef recipe, slow-cooked with spices and citrus. It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a hearty filling.
Full recipe: click here.
26. Barbacoa Burrito Bowl
This barbacoa burrito bowl is a hearty meal with tender, shredded beef served over rice, beans, and fresh toppings. It’s customizable and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Full recipe: click here.
27. Pork Barbacoa Tacos
Pork barbacoa tacos are made with slow-cooked, shredded pork in a spicy, tangy sauce. They’re topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime.
Full recipe: click here.
28. Barbacoa Chili
Barbacoa chili combines slow-cooked beef with beans, tomatoes, and chili spices. The result is a hearty, smoky chili that’s perfect for cold nights.
Full recipe: click here.
29. Barbacoa Rice Bowl
Barbacoa rice bowls feature tender, flavorful beef served over a bed of rice with your favorite toppings. A filling and customizable meal for any occasion.
Full recipe: click here.
30. Smoked Barbacoa
Smoked barbacoa uses the low-and-slow technique to impart deep, smoky flavors to the beef. The tender, juicy meat is perfect for tacos, nachos, or sandwiches.
Full recipe: click here.
31. London Broil Barbacoa
London broil barbacoa is made with marinated beef that’s slow-cooked until tender and shredded. It’s perfect for tacos or served over rice for a hearty meal.
Full recipe: click here.
32. Beef Barbacoa Enchiladas
Beef barbacoa enchiladas are filled with tender, slow-cooked beef and smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. They’re a delicious twist on traditional enchiladas.
Full recipe: click here.
33. Vegan Barbacoa
Vegan barbacoa uses mushrooms or jackfruit as a plant-based alternative to beef. Slow-cooked with spices and herbs, it’s a savory dish that’s perfect for tacos or bowls.
Full recipe: click here.
34. Barbacoa Jardin
Barbacoa jardin combines the traditional slow-cooked beef with vegetables like peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It’s a flavorful, hearty dish with a satisfying mix of textures.
Full recipe: click here.
Final Thoughts
Barbacoa isn’t just for tacos. From empanadas to pizza, there’s no limit to how you can enjoy this savory, tender meat.
Experiment with these ideas and let your taste buds lead the way. Who knows—your new favorite barbacoa dish might just be one you never saw coming.
Featured image credit to ©barbacoakc
