Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is the ultimate comfort food, slow-cooked to perfection with chipotle peppers, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish results in incredibly tender, flavorful beef that’s perfect for tacos, nachos, arepas, or even salads. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, this recipe is easy to make yet packed with rich, savory flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This barbacoa beef is bursting with flavor thanks to the combination of smoky chipotle peppers, sweet brown sugar, earthy cumin, and zesty lime. The slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender, shredding effortlessly into a deliciously juicy filling for tacos or nachos. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers for the week, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping and can be used in a variety of dishes. The convenience of the slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy days.

Ingredients

Beef:

• 5 lbs chuck roast

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Ground black pepper, to taste

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing)

Paste:

• 5 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

• 8 garlic cloves

• 2 tablespoons ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar

• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

• 2 limes, juiced and zested

• 1/3 cup beef broth

• 3 bay leaves

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

Directions

1. Cut the chuck roast into large chunks and rub them all over with kosher salt and ground black pepper.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meat in batches, cooking each side until browned. Once browned, transfer the meat to a slow cooker.

3. In a food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, garlic, ground cumin, brown sugar, ground cloves, lime juice and zest, and beef broth. Pulse until smooth to create the paste.

4. Pour the paste over the beef in the slow cooker, then add the bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, stirring occasionally.

5. About 30 minutes to 1 hour before the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaves and take the beef out of the slow cooker. Shred the beef on a cutting board using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker with any accumulated juices. Stir to combine.

6. Serve the barbacoa beef over tortillas, arepas, nachos, or in a salad. Drizzle with fresh lime or lemon juice just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 8 hours 10 minutes

• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce for an added level of heat.

• Slow Cooker Additions: You can add onions, bell peppers, or tomatoes to the slow cooker for more depth of flavor and texture.

• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for gluten-sensitive individuals when served with gluten-free tortillas or other alternatives.

• Vegetarian Version: For a plant-based option, swap the beef for jackfruit or mushrooms for a similar texture and a flavorful base.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover barbacoa beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: The beef can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat the beef on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it has thickened, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness, you can use other cuts of beef like brisket or round. Just be aware that the cooking time may vary depending on the cut.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the beef in a large pot over low heat, covered, for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easy to shred.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Barbacoa beef is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge or freeze it for later use.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

You can control the heat by adjusting the number of chipotle peppers used. For a milder version, use fewer peppers or remove the seeds from the peppers before blending them into the paste.

What can I serve with this barbacoa beef?

Serve it with tortillas for tacos, atop nachos, over rice, in burrito bowls, or on a salad for a flavorful and filling meal.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts as an alternative to beef. You may need to adjust the cooking time, as chicken cooks faster than beef.

Can I make this barbacoa beef spicier?

If you love heat, you can increase the number of chipotle peppers or add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the paste. For an even bolder flavor, include some jalapeños in the paste.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots can be added to the slow cooker along with the beef for added flavor and texture.

Can I serve this with rice instead of tortillas?

Absolutely! Serve the barbacoa beef over rice for a hearty meal. You can also make a barbacoa beef bowl with rice, beans, avocado, and your favorite toppings.

How do I make this barbacoa beef in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

You can use the sauté function of the Instant Pot to sear the meat, then cook the beef on high pressure for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Afterward, shred the beef and return it to the sauce for a few more minutes.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is the perfect dish for anyone craving a flavorful, tender meal with minimal effort. The combination of smoky chipotle, garlic, and spices creates an unforgettable flavor profile that’s perfect for tacos, nachos, or any dish you want to enhance with savory, juicy beef. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy!

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