Barbacoa Style Short Rib Tacos

These Barbacoa Style Short Rib Tacos are bursting with flavor and the meat is so tender your mouth will be in heaven. Stuff this into a taco and top with your favorite toppings and you will be the hero of dinner time.

Barbacoa is a style of cooking meat that originated in Mexico. It traditionally refers to meats cooked slowly over an open fire or in a hole dug in the ground and covered with agave leaves. Meats with high fat content and strong flavor are preferred for this style of cooking.

This recipe does not require you to dig a hole in your backyard, it is much easier without sacrificing flavor. What I really like about this recipe is that the prep time is only about 20 minutes! Just let it cook, enjoy an adult beverage and get ready for some delicious tacos.

Short ribs are perfect for this style of cooking, good fat content, great flavor and a pretty inexpensive cut of meat. The chipolte peppers give that smokey flavor you would get from cooking over an open flame. If you want it a little more spicy, you can add additional peppers.

Barbacoa Style Short Rib Tacos-Ingredients

• 4 lbs bone in short ribs
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium sweet onion
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 4 chipotle peppers with adobo sauce
• 1/3 cup barbeque sauce
• 3/4 cup beef broth
• 2 limes juiced
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

• Add vegetable oil to a skillet. Over medium heat, brown the short ribs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.

• Place short ribs in an oven ready pot or slow cooker.
• In a large bowl combine onion, garlic, barbeque sauce, lime juice, chipotle peppers, beef broth, cumin, salt, pepper, cider vinegar and bay leaves.
• Pour mixture over ribs, make sure to coat all sides of the ribs.

• Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 3 hours or in the slow cooker on high for 3-4 hours. Meat should be falling off the bone.
• Remove the meat from the bone and shred.

• Put the shredded short ribs in warm taco shells and add your favorite toppings.

• Enjoy!

Great Toppings for Tacos

• Queso: Roll up your taco and pour it over the top for some creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: One of the most common toppings, shredded cheddar cheese elevates the flavors of meat and vegetables.
• Fresh salsa: A staple found in many Mexican dishes, salsa adds some spice and tons of flavor and texture.
• Guacamole: This creamy mixture is a combination of mashed avocados, onion, garlic, peppers, lime juice, salt and pepper. A delicious topping that you can add to the inside or outside of your taco!
• Habaneros: Years ago the habanero was listed as one of the world’s hottest chilis. However, in recent years, it has been displaced by hotter peppers. The habanero is categorized in the extra-hot zone on the Scoville heat scale, ranging from 100,000-350,000, just below the super-hot peppers. Cut them up and add some real heat!
• Tomatoes: Add a little juicy sweetness to your taco! Tomatoes also pair well with meats and other vegetables.
• Grilled onions and peppers: Both go well with tomatoes and other vegetables that you may add to your taco. The onions will add a light and sweet flavor while the green peppers will add a little grassy bitterness.
• Jalapeños: For those that like a little more milder spice, cut up some fresh jalapeños. Jalapeños range from 2,500 to 8,000 on the Scoville heat scale.  Much milder than a habanero.
• Corn: Adds a sweet, starchy, and crunchy taste to your taco.
• Shredded lettuce: Adds a little texture and crunchiness to your taco.
• Chillies: Chillies have a variety of flavors including smoky, spicy, earthy, sweet, and grassy. Depending on your mood, add some of your favorites!
• Sour cream: Adds a tart, creamy, cool taste to your taco.
• Hot sauce: A spicy condiment made from hot chili peppers that raises the heat intensity in your taco. Depending on the hot sauce, temperatures may range from mild to super-hot!
• Cilantro: Cilantro is a relative of parsley and is used as an herb or spice. Adding it to your taco will add a little fresh, citrusy flavor.

For other great recipes try our:

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Tequila Lime Shrimp

The Best Easy Chili

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Simple Slow Cooker Pot Roast