Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Recipe

This Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is tender, juicy, and packed with bold, smoky flavors. Cooked low and slow with chipotle peppers, garlic, and aromatic spices, this shredded beef is perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results right from your slow cooker, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set-it-and-forget-it – Minimal prep with maximum flavor thanks to the slow cooker.
• Tender and juicy – Slow cooking ensures melt-in-your-mouth beef every time.
• Versatile – Great for tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, or rice bowls.
• Meal prep-friendly – Makes a large batch and stores well for leftovers.
• Bold, smoky flavors – Chipotle peppers and spices create a rich, authentic taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3–4 pounds beef chuck roast (trimmed of excess fat)
• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle pepper can)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• ½ cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 bay leaves

Directions

1. Prepare the beef:
   • Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks for easier handling and even cooking.
   • Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, paprika, and ground cloves.
2. Add ingredients to the slow cooker:
   • Place the seasoned beef into the slow cooker.
   • Add chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, and bay leaves.
3. Cook low and slow:
   • Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–6 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred and serve:
   • Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
   • Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the flavorful juices.
5. Serve:
   • Serve hot in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro, onions, or avocado.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 hours (on low) or 4–6 hours (on high)
• Total Time: 8–10 hours

Variations

• Spicy Barbacoa Beef: Add an extra chipotle pepper or a dash of cayenne for more heat.
• Citrus Barbacoa: Add ¼ cup of orange juice for a slightly sweet, citrusy flavor.
• Instant Pot Version: Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes, then allow natural release for 15 minutes.
• Barbacoa Tacos: Serve in corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• Keto-Friendly: Skip the adobo sauce and use a sugar-free beef broth for a low-carb version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover barbacoa beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the meat looks dry.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of beef for barbacoa?

Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking. Beef brisket or beef cheeks are also good options.

Can I make barbacoa without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it in a Dutch oven in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3–4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.

How spicy is barbacoa beef?

It has a medium level of heat due to the chipotle peppers, but you can adjust the spice by adding fewer peppers or removing the adobo sauce.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs and reduce the cooking time to 4–6 hours on low.

What do you serve with barbacoa beef?

Serve with tortillas, cilantro lime rice, black beans, guacamole, salsa, or a simple green salad.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just be mindful of toppings like cheese or sour cream if serving to those with dietary restrictions.

Does barbacoa beef need to be browned before cooking?

It’s optional but recommended for extra flavor. Sear the beef in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I use pork instead of beef?

Yes, pork shoulder works well and creates a dish similar to carnitas with barbacoa flavors.

How do I prevent dry barbacoa beef?

Make sure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker and shred the beef back into its juices to keep it moist.

How long does barbacoa beef last in the fridge?

Properly stored, it will last up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is a flavorful, tender, and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether you serve it in tacos, burritos, bowls, or on nachos, its bold and smoky flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

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