PF
Close-up of delicious barbacoa tacos on a red plate with fresh lime in Ciudad de México.
Stovetop~45 minComplexity

Barbacoa

Barbacoa packs 68g protein and 928 calories per serving — matching beef-based entrées for sheer protein density. This 4-serving stovetop batch cooks quickly, giving you a lean base for bowls, tacos, or standalone dinners. Essential for lifters pushing high protein intake without meal-prepping multiple proteins.

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Ingredients

4 servings
  • Beef Chuck Roast(1361g)
  • Garlic(240g)
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • Green Chiles, Canned, Diced
  • Yellow Onion
  • Lime Juice, Fresh(60g)
  • Vinegar, Apple Cider(30g)
  • 3 bay leaves
  • Cumin, Ground(15g)
  • Oregano, Dried(15g)
  • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • Cloves, Ground(1g)
  • Beef Stock, Low Sodium(120g)

Instructions

  1. 1Cut the beef chuck roast into 3–4 inch chunks and trim excess surface fat. Mince the garlic, dice the onion, and roughly chop the chipotle peppers.
  2. 2Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Working in batches to avoid crowding, sear the beef chunks for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply browned, then transfer to a plate.
  3. 3Add the onion to the same pot and cook for 3–4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. 4Stir in the cumin, oregano, and ground cloves, cooking for 30 seconds until the spices bloom. Add the chipotle peppers, green chiles, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pot to release browned bits.
  5. 5Return all beef chunks to the pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 2.5–3 hours until the beef is completely tender and shreds easily with a fork when pierced.
  6. 6Using two forks, shred all the beef directly in the pot into bite-sized pieces. Stir to coat the shredded beef in the cooking liquid and let it rest covered for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  7. 7Divide the barbacoa and all cooking liquid evenly into 4 airtight containers while hot. Cool to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition — Per Serving

928

calories

68g

protein

62g

fat

Carbohydrates
26g
Saturated fat
21.8g
Sodium
251 mg
Dietary fiber
3.4g

4 servings per batch · ~461g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Barbacoa have per serving?

Each serving contains 68g of protein and 928 calories with 62g fat and 26g carbs. This is a high-protein, high-calorie option with a significant fat contribution from the meat.

How long does Barbacoa take to prep?

Quick prep on the stovetop with 4 servings per batch keeps your meal prep efficient throughout the week.

Is Barbacoa good for muscle gain?

At 68g protein per serving, Barbacoa is excellent for muscle gain phases where hitting daily protein targets is the priority. The 928 calories provide substantial fuel for recovery and performance during heavy training blocks.

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