Barbacoa Sandwich │ Mexican Shredded Beef Torta Recipe
Looking for the best Mexican torta recipe? This authentic shredded beef barbacoa torta will hit the spot! This easy-to-make Mexican sandwich is perfect for feeding a crowd, especially when you’ve got leftover barbacoa and not enough to make tacos for everyone. It’s flavorful, hearty, and versatile—a great dish to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What is a Torta de Barbacoa?
A Torta de Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican sandwich made with tender, slow-cooked barbacoa meat, usually served on a crusty bolillo or telera roll. It’s a Sunday brunch staple in many Mexican households, offering a perfect combination of juicy shredded beef, creamy avocado, refried beans, and fresh toppings. This savory, flavorful sandwich is the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients for Barbacoa Torta:
- Bread: Telera, bolillo, or French rolls (ciabatta is a good substitute)
- Mayonnaise
- Shredded Beef Barbacoa (see my barbacoa recipe for a perfect homemade version)
- Butter (optional)
- Avocado
- Refried beans
- Tomato (sliced)
- Onion (sliced)
- Shredded lettuce: Learn how to chop it hot for tacos and tortas.
- Cheese: Queso fresco, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or any melting cheese
- Pickled jalapeños or serranos
- Hot sauce: Choose your favorite (here are my top salsa recipes)
You Definitely will need a hot sauce to put on your torta, here are my Authentic Mexican Salasas recipes! Many Mexican Supermarkets sell barbacoa on Sundays; some of my favorites are at La Familia Supermarket in Berwyn, IL. They also have fresh carnitas!
How to Make a Mexican Torta de Barbacoa:
- Prep your bread: Slice the bolillo (or your preferred roll) in half lengthwise.
- Toast the bread: Spread mayonnaise on both sides of the bread, then warm it up on a griddle until lightly toasted.
3. Add your spreads: On one side, spread a layer of refried beans; on the other, mash and spread the avocado.
4. Build the torta: Add a generous portion of shredded beef barbacoa on the bottom half of the bread.
5. Top with veggies: Layer on slices of tomato, onion, and some shredded lettuce.
6. Finish with flavor: Add your cheese of choice, some pickled jalapeños, and a drizzle of salsa taqura hot sauce.
7. Close and enjoy: Put the sandwich together, slice in half, and serve with your favorite salsa!
What is Barbacoa?
Barbacoa is a traditional dish that is deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine. It is made by slow-cooking beef, lamb, or goat for several hours until it is tender and easily shredded. Barbacoa is seasoned with dried chilies and spices. The result is a flavorful and succulent meat that is often used in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other Mexican dishes… and you know what? I have all those recipe options for you! check out this easy authentic barbacoa recipe here!
Leftover Barbacoa? check out these other great recipes
Barbacoa Sandwich │ Mexican Shredded Beef Torta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Griddle
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 2 slices onion
- 3 slices tomato
- 3 tablespoons avocado
- 3 tablespoons Fried beans
- 1/4 cup lettuce shredded
- 2 tablspoons Salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded beef barbacoa
- 1 tablespoons Mayoneisse
- 1 piece bolillo , telera or French Bread
- 1 slice cheese optional
Instructions
- Cut the bread length wide.
- Spread mayonnaise on both sides.
- Warm up the bread on a griddle on both sides allowing the side with the mayo to toast a little bit.
- On the bottom, the bread roll side spread some fried beans, and on the other side spread smashed avocado.
- Add the barbacoa on top of the beans.
- Add slices of tomato, shredded lettuce, and onion along with some slices of pickled jalapeno or salsa.
- Finally, close the sandwich and enjoy! With the right ingredients, Mexican torta de barbacoa sandwiches can be an incredibly tasty and satisfying meal.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This is one of my favorite Sunday brunch meals