Name: Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ kg beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp ground coriander; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small onion (chopped); 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped); 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers); ¼ cup fresh lime juice; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 cup beef broth; 2 bay leaves; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; Warm corn or flour tortillas; Chopped fresh cilantro; Diced onions; Lime wedges; Salsa or guacamole (optional)

CategoryBeef, Main Courses, Meat

DifficultyIntermediate

Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is a flavorful and tender shredded beef dish slow-cooked in a smoky, spicy sauce made with chipotle peppers, garlic, and Mexican spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or salads, this dish is easy to make and packed with authentic flavors.

Yields6 Servings

Prep Time15 minsCook Time8 hrsTotal Time8 hrs 15 mins

For the Beef Barbacoa

1 ½ kg beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp ground coriander

3 cloves garlic (minced)

1 small onion (chopped)

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped)

1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers)

¼ cup fresh lime juice

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup beef broth

2 bay leaves

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For Serving

Warm corn or flour tortillas

Chopped fresh cilantro

Diced onions

Lime wedges

Salsa or guacamole (optional)

Prepare the Beef

Season the Beef:
- Pat the beef chuck roast dry and season with salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, oregano, and coriander.
Sear the Beef (Optional but recommended):
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef chunks on all sides for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.

Make the Sauce

Combine Ingredients:
- In a bowl, mix garlic, onion, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour Over Beef:
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the slow cooker.
Add Bay Leaves:
- Place the bay leaves on top.

Slow Cook the Beef

Set the Slow Cooker:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Shred the Beef:
- Remove the bay leaves, then shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
Mix with the Sauce:
- Stir the shredded beef into the sauce and let it soak for another 10-15 minutes on LOW.

Serving Suggestions

Taco Style:
- Serve in warm corn tortillas with chopped cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges.
Burrito or Bowl:
- Serve over rice with black beans, avocado, and salsa.
With Side Dishes:
- Pair with Mexican street corn, refried beans, or a fresh salad.

Pro Tips

For Extra Flavor: Marinate the beef in the seasoning and sauce overnight before cooking.
Make It Spicier: Add an extra chipotle pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ingredients