Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is a tender, flavorful dish made with beef that’s slow-cooked in a rich, spicy marinade. The result is melt-in-your-mouth beef that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even served over rice. With a mix of chipotle peppers, lime juice, and a variety of spices, this barbacoa is full of bold flavors and is incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker. Set it and forget it for a delicious, hassle-free meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb all the rich, spicy flavors from the marinade, resulting in incredibly tender, fall-apart beef. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or hosting a party, this recipe will be a crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile, packed with flavor, and makes a great filling for tacos, burritos, or even a hearty salad. Plus, it’s hands-off, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast or brisket

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (with a bit of sauce)

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon ground oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Lime wedges (for serving)

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

Directions

1. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides for 3-4 minutes until browned. This step is optional but adds great flavor. Once seared, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

2. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the chopped onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, cloves, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.

3. Slow Cook the Beef: Pour the marinade mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreddable. Alternatively, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours.

4. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it into the remaining juices to soak up all the flavors.

5. Serve: Serve the barbacoa beef in tacos, burritos, over rice, or as a filling for a salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)

• Total Time: 8-9 hours

Variations

• Use different cuts of beef: While chuck roast is ideal for barbacoa due to its tenderness, you can also use brisket or round roast for a different twist.

• Add extra heat: If you prefer a spicier version, add more chipotle peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade.

• Use a pressure cooker: If you’re short on time, use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to cook the barbacoa. Cook for about 60-75 minutes on high pressure for tender beef in a fraction of the time.

• Make it a vegetarian version: Use jackfruit or mushrooms instead of beef for a vegetarian alternative to barbacoa.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover barbacoa beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth, or heat it in the microwave until warmed through. You can also add it back to the slow cooker and heat it for an hour on low.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, you can use brisket or round roast instead of chuck roast for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I freeze leftover barbacoa beef?

Yes, this barbacoa beef freezes well! Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in a skillet or slow cooker.

3. Can I make the beef spicier?

Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier barbacoa, increase the amount of chipotle peppers or add additional hot sauce or jalapeños to the marinade.

4. Can I cook the beef on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours. However, cooking on low for 8 hours will give the beef more time to become tender and absorb the flavors.

5. What do I serve barbacoa beef with?

Barbacoa beef is perfect for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or served over rice. You can also use it as a filling for nachos, salads, or sandwiches.

6. Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this recipe in the oven. Place the beef and marinade in a Dutch oven, cover it tightly, and cook it at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.

7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned chipotle peppers?

If you don’t have chipotle peppers, you can use fresh tomatoes with a little extra chili powder, smoked paprika, or adobo sauce for a smoky flavor, though it won’t be the same as traditional barbacoa.

8. Can I make barbacoa beef with ground beef?

While traditional barbacoa is made with larger cuts of beef, you can use ground beef as an alternative, but it will have a different texture and flavor. Simply sauté the ground beef first, then follow the rest of the recipe with the marinade.

9. How can I make the beef more flavorful?

For more depth of flavor, let the beef marinate in the spices and liquid for a few hours before slow cooking. You can also add a little bit of brown sugar or honey to balance the flavors.

10. Can I add beans to the barbacoa?

Yes, you can add cooked black beans or pinto beans to the barbacoa for extra texture and protein. Just stir them in when you add the shredded beef back into the slow cooker.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is the ultimate flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. The tender, shredded beef absorbs all the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors from the marinade, creating a dish that’s full of deep, rich flavors. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or serving it over rice, this barbacoa beef is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s convenient, flavorful, and versatile—everything you want in a slow-cooked meal!