Slow-cooked beef barbacoa wrapped in maguey leaves, yielding incredibly tender, richly seasoned meat. This high protein weekend tradition is perfect for family feasts and makes excellent freezer-ready leftovers.
Preheat the oven to 300°F. Trim excess fat from the beef brisket and cut into large chunks for even cooking.
Blend chipotle in adobo, apple cider vinegar, oregano, cumin, 4 garlic cloves, salt, and pepper into a smooth paste.
Rub the seasoning paste thoroughly into all sides of the beef, ensuring the pieces are well coated.
Line a large Dutch oven or roasting pan with rinsed maguey leaves, then add sliced onion, remaining whole garlic cloves, and bay leaves at the bottom.
Arrange the seasoned beef over the aromatics, cover with more maguey leaves, seal tightly with lid or foil, and slow-cook for 5–6 hours until fork-tender.
Let rest for 20 minutes after removing from the oven, then shred the beef with forks. Serve wrapped in warm maguey leaves or with tortillas, spooning pan juices over.