Slow Cooker Barbacoa
Slow Cooker Barbacoa is a tender, juicy, and flavorful Mexican-inspired shredded beef recipe made with smoky chipotle, garlic, spices, and lime juice. It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- Beef chuck roast – for rich, marbled meat that shreds beautifully
- Chipotle peppers in adobo – to add smoky heat and depth
- Garlic cloves – for aromatic, savory flavor
- Apple cider vinegar – to balance richness with acidity
- Ground cumin and oregano – for earthy, warm spice
- Bay leaves – to infuse subtle herbal tones
- Beef broth – to keep the meat moist and flavorful
- Fresh lime juice – to brighten the final dish
Instructions
- Trim and season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper.
- Optional: Sear the beef in a hot skillet for enhanced flavor.
- Blend chipotle peppers, garlic, vinegar, spices, and broth into a smooth sauce.
- Place the beef into the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
- Add bay leaves and cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until tender.
- Remove bay leaves, shred the beef with forks, and mix it back into the sauce.
- Serve with your favorite sides or store for later.
Notes
- Use a fatty cut like chuck roast for best results.
- Adjust chipotle quantity to control spice level.
- Searing the meat is optional but adds flavor depth.
- Freezes well—store with extra juice to keep it moist.
- Reheat with a splash of broth to retain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/slow-cooker-barbacoa/