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Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Recipe

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Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is a tender, flavorful Mexican-inspired dish made with beef chuck roast simmered low and slow in a smoky chipotle sauce—perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads.

Ingredients

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  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3/4 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional, for searing)
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Optional: Sear the beef chunks in a hot skillet with oil for 2–3 minutes per side to enhance flavor, then transfer to the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, cloves, pepper, salt, lime juice, vinegar, and beef broth.
  3. Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker and add the bay leaf.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
  5. Remove the bay leaf, shred the beef with two forks, and mix it with the sauce in the slow cooker.
  6. Serve in tacos, burrito bowls, or over rice with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Adjust number of chipotle peppers for desired spice level.
  • Leftovers freeze well—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
  • Great with pickled onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

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