Description

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!

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)

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Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear on all sides for 3-4 minutes until browned. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
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.
Pour the marinade over the beef in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreddable.
Remove the beef 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.
Serve the barbacoa beef in tacos, burritos, over rice, or as a salad filling. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness.

Notes

For a spicier version, add more chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

If you’re in a hurry, use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot for quicker cooking.

For a vegetarian version, use jackfruit or mushrooms as a substitute for beef.

Freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months for future meals. Thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg