Description
This Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef recipe delivers tender, flavorful shredded beef cooked low and slow with aromatic spices, chipotle peppers, and tangy lime and vinegar. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, this comforting dish uses a chuck roast simmered in a richly seasoned broth until fall-apart tender.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds Chuck roast, cut into large cubes (Brisket can also be used)
- 1 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Beef broth, low sodium
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1-2 Bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Oregano, dried (preferably Mexican oregano)
- 1 tablespoon Cumin powder
- 3 Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (plus 1 tablespoon canned adobo sauce)
- 1 can Green chiles (4 oz. can)
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped (for topping)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients including the chuck roast, onion, beef broth, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, and green chiles into a crockpot (3 quart or larger).
- Cook Beef: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. For faster results, cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, but slow cooking yields the most tender and flavorful beef.
- Discard Bay Leaves: Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaves and discard them as they have served their purpose infusing flavor.
- Shred and Mix: Use two forks to shred the beef directly in the crockpot, then toss all ingredients together to combine the flavors and juices evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon the shredded barbacoa onto your favorite dishes and garnish with finely chopped fresh cilantro. Enjoy warm as a filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Notes
- For spicier barbacoa, add more chipotle peppers or adobo sauce according to taste.
- Chuck roast is preferred for its marbling and tenderness, but brisket can be substituted with similar results.
- Low sodium beef broth helps control salt content, adjusting seasoning at end as needed.
- Great served with warm tortillas, fresh lime wedges, and your favorite toppings like diced onions or avocado.
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
