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Keto Chipotle Barbacoa Lettuce Wraps 🌯

Feyza Kırmacı
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Check out our tasty Keto Chipotle Barbacoa Lettuce Wraps! We've crafted a low-carb recipe inspired by Chipotle's celebrated barbacoa. The recipe does not compromise on those favorite flavors you love. Think of a tender chuck roast bursting with smoky Chipotle seasoning but keto-friendly – absolutely irresistible!

Homemade chipotle barbacoa recipe.
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Preparation and cooking overview

It takes a while to make this recipe, but it's totally worth it. Season the chuck roast with smoky Chipotle seasoning. Pop it in the fridge for an hour—or even better, overnight. When you take it out, sear the seasoned meat in a hot pot and simmer gently with beef broth for 3-4 hours. The final step is to shred the meat and serve it as a wrap!

Chef's note

While we made lettuce wraps for this beef barbacoa recipe, you can experiment with other low-carb wrap alternatives like cabbage leaves or Keto Naan. Want a new twist? Use this recipe in making Low-Carb Stuffed Peppers. You can also jazz up things by making a slider with our Keto Dinner Rolls!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Rest Time: 5-10 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Beef recipe.

🌯 Ingredients for this Chipotle barbacoa recipe

Let's make this Mexican Barbacoa Chipotle Recipe with the following simple ingredients!

For the "Chipotle" Barbacoa

  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon red chili paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For serving

  • Lettuce leaves
  • Avocado slices
  • Pickled jalapenos
  • Pickled red onions
Ingredients spread out on the kitchen table for the preparation of chipotle barbacoa recipe.

Ingredient substitutions

Feel free to swap the ingredients with these keto-friendly substitutions:

  • Red chili paste: Swap the red chili paste with a keto-friendly hot sauce or a combination of chili powder and tomato paste.
  • Pickled jalapenos: If you're looking for an alternative to pickled jalapenos, fresh jalapenos are a great option. They provide a similar kick of heat but with a fresher, crisper flavor. Note that fresh jalapenos tend to be spicier than their pickled counterparts.
  • Beef broth: If you don't have beef broth, you can use bone broth as a substitute.

Additional ingredients

Add more flavors to this Chipotle Barbacoa recipe with these additional ingredients.

  • Cilantro: Finely chop fresh cilantro and use it as a garnish to add a refreshing herbal note.
  • Cotija cheese: Crumble some cotija cheese on top of the assembled wraps. This delightful addition brings creamy, salty notes.
  • Sour cream: Add a dollop of sour cream on top of the barbacoa to balance the smoky and spicy flavors.
  • Chipotle peppers: If they are available in your local grocery store, slice them and add in the beef mixture for a true Mexican flavor.
Keto barbacoa recipe.

Cooking tools required

To make this Mexican Chipotle Barbacoa recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

  • Cast-iron pot
  • Tongs
  • Forks
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron pot: If you don't have a cast-iron pot, use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to cook the beef.
Chipotle barbacoa recipe served in a bowl.

How to make Chipotle Barbacoa: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Searing
  • Braising

Preparation steps

  1. Begin by gathering and measuring all the required ingredients for the recipe.
  2. Pat the beef chuck roast dry with a paper towel to eliminate any excess moisture.
  3. Mince the fresh garlic cloves.
  4. Wash the lettuce leaves under cold running water.

Cooking instructions

Season the beef

  1. Season the beef with Chipotle seasoning, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Massage the seasonings into the meat, ensuring it is evenly coated.
  3. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For an even deeper flavor, let it marinate overnight.
Chuck roast about to be seasoned.
Seasoning the chuck roast.

Cook the beef barbacoa

  1. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Once the pot is hot, add the seasoned beef and sear it for 3-4 minutes per side, allowing it to develop a nice brown crust.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and add the beef broth, minced garlic, red chili paste, and lime juice to the pot. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring the chuck roast is well-coated.
  4. Cover the pot with a lid and let the meat simmer gently for 3-4 hours or until it becomes tender and easily shreds with a fork. During this time, periodically turn the chuck roast to ensure even cooking. Add more broth to the pot if needed to prevent the meat from drying out.
  5. Once the meat is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes.
  6. Use two forks to shred the chuck roast into bite-sized pieces, pulling the meat apart along its natural fibers.
Cooking the beef slices in a cast iron skillet.
Cooked chuck roast.
Shredding the meat with forks.

Serve the Chipotle barbacoa

  1. To serve, grab a lettuce leaf and scoop a generous amount of the shredded beef onto it.
  2. Top the beef with extra toppings like sliced avocado, pickled jalapenos, and red onions for an added burst of flavor and crunch.
Spinach leaves made ready with other ingredients.
dServing chipotle barbacoa in wraps.
Wrapping the barbacoa wrap.

Chef's pro tip

For the tastiest beef barbacoa, patience is key. Start by marinating the chuck roast, then let it simmer on low heat. This slow cooking allows the fat in the meat to melt and infuse the dish with rich texture and flavor. It's true what they say – good things do come to those who wait. So, take your time with this dish, and you'll be rewarded with a delicious meal.

What to serve with Chipotle barbacoa?

Let's explore some fantastic keto-friendly pairings to go along with this low-carb beef barbacoa recipe:

  • Cauliflower rice: Serve the tender beef with Mexican Cauliflower Rice to complement the authentic Mexican flavors.
  • Keto wraps: Make a delicious wrap with our Keto Naan! 
  • Guacamole: Homemade guacamole adds a creamy, refreshing contrast to our spicy barbacoa.
  • Fresh salsa: Enhance your dish with vibrant salsas! For a delightful twist, explore the flavors of Salsa Verde, and for a touch of tropical sweetness, whip up a tantalizing Mango Salsa.
Copycat chipotle barbacoa recipe.

How to make it healthier?

  • Reduce sodium: Opt for low-sodium beef broth or use homemade broth to control the sodium content. Also, reduce the amount of added salt in the seasoning.
  • Choose organic and high-quality ingredients: Whenever possible, choose grass-fed beef and use organic spices and vegetables to prioritize quality.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-made Chipotle seasoning: Save time by using pre-made Chipotle seasoning from the store instead of making it from scratch. Look for options that are low in added sugars and artificial ingredients.
  • Double the recipe: Save time and maximize meal planning by doubling the Keto Chipotle Barbacoa recipe. Enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week as the flavors intensify and develop over time when reheated.
Chipotle barbacoa recipe.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Marinate the beef overnight: Marinate the beef with the seasonings the night before or a few hours in advance. Cover the seasoned meat in an airtight container and refrigerate until you are ready to cook.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerator: Let the barbacoa cool down to room temperature. Then, refrigerate it in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: You can store the cooked barbacoa in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. But don't freeze the toppings or lettuce wrappings.
Low carb chipotle barbacoa recipe.

Reheating best practices

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the cooked beef in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes.
  • Stovetop: Warm the beef in a non-stick pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Note: Add a splash of water or beef broth before reheating the barbacoa. This additional moisture will prevent the meat from drying out.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

You're gonna love our copycat Chipotle Barbacoa recipe. Whether you want a fun dinner or just miss Chipotle so much, this Mexican dish will curb your cravings. The best thing? It's a perfect meal prep recipe! You can enjoy it throughout the week!

Want to try more beef dishes? Here are some keto beef recipes

Keto chipotle barbacoa.

Frequently asked questions

You can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot by following the manufacturer's instructions for cooking times and settings. Use the sauté function to sear the beef before pressure cooking.

If you prefer it spicier, adjust the heat level by adding more Chipotle seasoning, red chili paste, or even diced fresh jalapenos to the recipe. Taste and adjust the seasonings.

Slice fresh red onions thinly and place them in a bowl or jar. Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a separate bowl, and add a pinch of salt and erythritol. Pour the mixture over the sliced onions and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.

You can use beef brisket or beef shoulder, as both are suitable for braising.

While barbacoa beef is keto-friendly due to its high protein content, the specific barbacoa beef from Chipotle might not be keto-friendly due to potential additions like rice, tortillas, and other sauces. But this recipe is a keto version of the classic dish, so you can enjoy it on the keto diet!

Of course! Use a tablespoon of fresh oregano instead of dried oregano.

📖 Recipe

Keto chipotle barbacoa lettuce wraps.

Chipotle Barbacoa

Experience a fiesta of flavors with our Keto Chipotle Barbacoa! Tender chuck roast infused with smoky Chipotle seasoning served over crisp lettuce leaves for a delicious low-carb meal.
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Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: beef barbacoa, beef recipe, Chipotle barbacoa, low carb
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 403kcal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon red chili paste
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For serving

  • Lettuce leaves
  • Avocado slices
  • Pickled jalapenos
  • Pickled red onions
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Season the beef

  • Season the beef with Chipotle seasoning, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  • Massage the seasonings into the meat, ensuring it is evenly coated.
  • Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For an even deeper flavor, let it marinate overnight.

Cook the beef barbacoa

  • Heat olive oil in a cast-iron pot over medium-high heat.
  • Once the pot is hot, add the seasoned beef and sear it for 3-4 minutes per side, allowing it to develop a nice brown crust.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the beef broth, minced garlic, red chili paste, and lime juice to the pot. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring the chuck roast is well-coated.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and let the meat simmer gently for 3-4 hours or until it becomes tender and easily shreds with a fork. During this time, periodically turn the chuck roast to ensure even cooking. Add more broth to the pot if needed to prevent the meat from drying out.
  • Once the meat is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Use two forks to shred the chuck roast into bite-sized pieces, pulling the meat apart along its natural fibers.

Serve the Chipotle barbacoa

  • To serve, grab a lettuce leaf and scoop a generous amount of the shredded beef onto it.
  • Top the beef with extra toppings like sliced avocado, pickled jalapenos, and red onions for an added burst of flavor and crunch.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Chipotle Barbacoa
Amount Per Serving
Calories 403 Calories from Fat 252
% Daily Value*
Fat 28g43%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 15g
Cholesterol 117mg39%
Sodium 629mg27%
Potassium 786mg22%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 2265IU45%
Vitamin C 9mg11%
Calcium 74mg7%
Iron 5mg28%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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