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Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa

Slow cooker beef barbacoa served on a white plate, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
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Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is a juicy, tender, and flavorful Mexican-inspired shredded beef dish made with chipotle peppers, spices, and lime juice, perfect for tacos, bowls, and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 3-inch chunks
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 to 4 chipotles in adobo sauce, finely diced
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • ½ tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¾ cup beef stock
  • 3 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Cut the beef chuck roast into 3-inch chunks.
  2. In a bowl, mix diced onion, chipotles in adobo, minced garlic, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and cloves.
  3. Add beef chunks and spice mixture to the slow cooker. Toss to coat.
  4. Pour in beef stock and add bay leaves.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8–9 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and shreds easily.
  6. Remove beef and shred with two forks.
  7. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to absorb juices.
  8. Serve hot in tacos, bowls, or other dishes.

Notes

  • Searing the beef before slow cooking is optional but adds depth of flavor.
  • For a milder version, reduce the number of chipotles or remove seeds.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.
  • To reheat, use the stovetop with a splash of broth for best results.
  • This recipe is great for batch cooking and meal prep.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/slow-cooker-beef-barbacoa-recipe/