Name: Barbacoa Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 480 min
Ingredients: 2-3 lbs chuck roast; 1 small yellow onion; 1/2 cup broth; 4.5 oz green chiles; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 2 tbsp chili powder; 2 cups shredded cheddar; 8 tortillas

Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

Gluten Free

Hey there, fellow parents and food enthusiasts who love to lend a helping hand! Are you looking to make life a bit easier for busy parents everywhere?

Well, you’re in the right place because today, we’re exploring the delightful realm of Barbacoa Beef Freezer Meals!

Imagine sinking your teeth into melt-in-your-mouth beef, slow-cooked to perfection, and seasoned with a symphony of smoky and spicy flavors. I

t’s a culinary delight that’s not only scrumptious but also incredibly practical, making it a must-have in your collection of make-ahead meals.

As parents who understand the daily juggling act all too well, we’re excited to share this freezer-friendly Barbacoa Beef recipe with you.

It’s your ticket to enjoying a homemade dinner without the usual time-consuming prep. It’s your time to enjoy a meal that was cooked for you.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the easy steps of creating this delectable Barbacoa Beef, offer tips on freezing and reheating, and share creative serving suggestions that’ll make you the dinnertime champion.

Let’s turn busy evenings into Barbacoa Beef fiestas, one delightful taco at a time!

Why you’ll Love this convenient Frozen Barbacoa Beef for Quick dinners.

Meal Prep Friendly
Customizable
Authentic Mexican Flavors
Tender and Succulent Beef
Kid-friendly
Convenient

Barbacoa Beef

Hannah Stewart

Enjoy an easy barbacoa beef freezer meal with the whole family. Tasty barbacoa recipe prepped in 10 minutes for cooking or as a freezer meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings

Equipment

1 Slow Cooker or Crockpot
1 gallon freezer bag
1 High speed blender/food processor

Ingredients

2-3 lbs chuck roast

Barbacoa Sauce (Blend Together):

1 small yellow onion
1/2 cup broth
4.5 oz green chiles
1 tbsp garlic powder
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 tbsp chili powder

For serving:

2 cups shredded cheddar
8 tortillas

Instructions

Freezer Prep Directions:

Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add barbacoa sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrap sides once or twice).
Add all ingredients, except for serving, to a labeled gallon freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker Directions:

Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
Cook on low 8-10 hours.
Shred beef and stir back into sauce in slow cooker.
Serve in tortillas or over rice with favorite taco toppings! Enjoy!

Instant Pot Directions

Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water.
Set to High Pressure for 65 minutes, then allow a 15-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
Shred beef and stir back into sauce in slow cooker.
Serve in tortillas or over rice with favorite taco toppings! Enjoy!

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten-Free:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Make it Dairy-Free:

This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Freezer Labels

Barbacoa Beef Freezer Meal Printable Label

Notes

Make it pretty: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.

Keyword Beef Recipes, crockpot dinners, Fast and Easy Dinner, Slow Cooker

Equipment Needed to Make this Freezer-Friendly Barbacoa Beef Meal Prep

1 Slow Cooker or Crockpot
1 gallon freezer bag
1 High speed blender/food processor

Ingredients for your Barbacoa Beef

2-3 lbs Chuck Roast
Barbacoa Sauce (Blend Together):
1/2 Frozen diced onion
1/2 cup Broth of preference I use chicken broth
4.5 oz Can diced green chilies
1 tbsp Garlic powder
2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp Lime juice juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp Dried oregano
2 tsp Ground cumin
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black pepper
1/4 tsp Ground cloves
2 tbsp Chili powder
For serving:
2 cups Shredded cheddar
8 Tortillas

How to make a Barbacoa Beef

Freezer prep directions:

Label Freezer bag with recipe name, cooking from frozen directions and expiration date (todays date plus three months).
Add barbacoa sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrap sides once or twice).
Add all ingredients to labeled gallon freezer bag.
Store in freezer for up to three months.

Cooking directions

Thaw overnight in fridge or in the morning in some warm water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker.
Cook on low 8-10 hours.
Shred beef and stir back into sauce in slow cooker.
Serve in tortillas or over rice with favorite taco toppings! Enjoy!

What to Serve/Pair with your easy Barbacoa Beef freezer meal?

Sides:

Chayote and Mango Salad
Pineapple Salsa
Jamaica Slaw

Desserts:

Mexican Chocolate Avocado Mousse
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Spicy Chocolate Chili Truffles

Mocktails:

Agua de Jamaica
Mango Chili Lime Cooler
Cucumber Mint Sparkler

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

Beef Chuck Roast: If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute the beef chuck roast with beef sirloin or beef round roast. These cuts are relatively lean and can be used to make delicious Barbacoa Beef.
Bay Leaves: If you don’t have bay leaves on hand, you can substitute them with dried oregano or epazote leaves. Both of these herbs offer a unique flavor profile that complements the Barbacoa sauce.
Chicken Broth: Instead of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or beef broth if you prefer a different flavor profile or if you have dietary preferences.

Additions:

Cilantro Lime Rice: Serve your Barbacoa Beef with a side of cilantro lime rice. Cook white rice according to package instructions, then fluff it with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. The bright and citrusy rice pairs beautifully with the smoky Barbacoa flavors.
Pineapple Salsa: Add a tropical twist to your Barbacoa Beef by preparing a pineapple salsa. Dice fresh pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and mix them with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt. The sweet and tangy salsa provides a refreshing contrast to the rich beef.
Avocado Crema: Create a creamy avocado crema by blending ripe avocados with sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, and a touch of salt. Drizzle this luscious sauce over your Barbacoa Beef for a cool and creamy finish.

These substitutions and additions allow you to customize your Barbacoa Beef recipe to your taste preferences and dietary requirements while ensuring that the ingredients remain freezer-friendly for convenient meal prep. Enjoy your flavorful Barbacoa Beef!

How to Reheat and Store Barbacoa Beef after cooking

Best way to store make-ahead Barbacoa Beef leftovers for busy families?

You have just finished your dinner, and you somehow have some Barbacoa Beef leftover, here are the best practices for storing your meal so that you have delicious leftovers waiting for you the next day or two.

After cooking, allow the Barbacoa Beef to cool to room temperature after cooking. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

After your meal has cooled, store the beef in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to maintain freshness.

Label the container or bag with the date of preparation. This helps keep track of its freshness.

How long will Barbacoa Beef last in the Fridge?

With the correct process for cooling and storing, you should be able to maintain freshness in your Barbacoa beef leftovers for 4-5 days.

Can I freeze convenient Barbacoa Beef for Quick Dinners after cooking?

Yes, absolutely. There are a few things that you must do in order to freeze your leftovers correctly. Ensure that the Barbacoa Beef has cooled completely in the refrigerator before freezing.

Divide the leftovers into meal-sized portions that you intend to use when reheating. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need. Place each portion of Barbacoa beef in a separate freezer-bag or airtight container.

If using bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label each bag, with the date and a description to identify it easily.

Place the bags or containers in the freezer. Your leftovers can be frozen for 2-3 months while maintaining good quality.

If you are planning to make a raw freezer meal, there are two steps to your prep. Put your beef into a raw freezer bag. Blend all the sauce ingredients in a blender, and pour sauce over the beef in the bag.

Remove as much air as possible, then seal and freeze for 3-6 months. An easy prepped freezer meal that you can use your crockpot for during busy days.

How to Reheat Easy Barbacoa Beef Freezer Meal recipe?

The best way to reheat your barbacoa beef freezer meal is quite simple. If your meal was frozen, allow the meal to shaw out completely.

There are three ways you can thaw your leftovers; you can thaw out in the fridge overnight, keep the freezer meal in the freezer bag and submerge it in cold water, or use the microwave defrost setting to thaw the beef gradually.

Once you have thawed your meal you can reheat your meal using these two methods.

Reheating on the stovetop: to reheat, warm a skillet over medium heat and add the thawed Barbacoa Beef. Heat it, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through.
Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place the thawed Barbacoa Beef on a microwave safe plate and heat in 30 second intervals until it’s warmed through.

Always remember to ensure the beef is cooked through, use a food thermometer to confirm that it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.

Freezer Friendly Barbacoa Beef Meal Recipe FAQs

Does Barbacoa freeze well?

Yes, barbacoa beef freezes quite well when stored properly. Its rich and bold flavors can be preserved nicely, making it a convenient option for freezer meals.

By dividing it into portions and using airtight containers or freezer bags, you can maintain its taste and texture for future enjoyment fairly easily.

What does Barbacoa Beef taste like?

Barbacoa Beef is known for its delicious, complex flavorings. It typically tastes rich, smoky and spicy all with a hint of sweetness.

The slow cooking process makes sure to infuse the meat with a deep and savory tasting, while seasonings like chipotle chilies, adobo sauce, and various other spices provide a smoky and slightly spicy kick.

Overall, barbacoa beef offers a mouthwatering blend of savory and spicy notes that can be used for such an array of dishes.

What kind of meat is Barbacoa made out of?

Traditionally, barbacoa is made from beef, often using cuts like beef brisket or beef chuck roast.

However, it can be prepared with other meats such as lamb, goat or even pork, depending on regional variations and personal preferences.

What do you eat Barbacoa with?

The best thing about Barbacoa Beef is it is extremely versatile, and can be enjoyed in various ways.

It is commonly served in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or as a filling sandwich and wrap. Traditional accompaniments include fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and salsa.

Additionally, side dishes like rice, beans, and tortilla chips compliment barbacoa’s bold flavors.

What are the benefits of eating Barbacoa beef?

Barbacoa can be a nutritious choice of protein, as its a good source of protein and essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin B12 and iron.

Additionally, its rich flavors and versatility make it a delicious and satisfying meal that pairs well with a lot of different vegetables.

What is Barbacoa known for?

Barbacoa is known for its slow-cooked flavorful and tender meat.

It has a rich history in Mexican cuisine and is famous for its use of seasonings like chipotle chilies and adobo sauce, which impart a unique and smoky taste to the protein.

Is Barbacoa food for protein?

Yes, Barbacoa is an excellent source of protein. Beef, in particular, is a protein-rich meat. When prepared, Barbacoa becomes a flavorful and protein-packed option for a balanced diet.

What techniques are best when used when cooking Barbacoa Meat?

The best techniques for cooking Barbacoa meat involve slow cooking over a low heat source, such as a slow cooker, or in an oven at a low temperature.

This allows the meat to become super tender and absorb the flavors of the seasonings over time. Braising or using a marinade can future enhance the taste and tenderness of the meat.

Ultimately, the key is to cook it low and slow to achieve the desired melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.