Start by chopping the onions and mincing the garlic. Make sure your chipotles are ready to go as well. It's all about having everything prepped for a smooth cooking experience.

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and sear the beef cubes until browned on all sides. This step will lock in the flavors and create a delicious crust.

Once your beef is seared, remove it from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft, then toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Return the beef to the pot. Next, add the chipotle peppers, beef broth, smoked paprika, brown sugar, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, cloves, and bay leaves. Stir it all together.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer. You want to cook it for about 4 to 6 hours until the meat is tender. This is where the magic happens.

Once the cooking time is up, remove the pot from the heat. Take out the bay leaves, and using two forks, shred the beef in the pot. This will allow it to soak up all the flavorful juices.

Serve your barbacoa hot! Pair it with soft tortillas, and don’t forget the toppings. Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado create a fresh finish.