Slow Cooker Barbacoa Recipe: Easy, Tender, and Flavorful
Ingredients:
3–4 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cloves
2 bay leaves
Juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup beef broth or water
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the beef chuck roast. Cut the roast into large chunks (about 2–3 inches wide) to ensure even cooking. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
In the bottom of your slow cooker, add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Sprinkle in the cumin, oregano, and ground cloves. Place the bay leaves on top.
3. Add the Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and beef broth (or water). Stir the mixture gently to combine the flavors at the base of the slow cooker.
4. Add the Beef:
Place the beef chunks into the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. This will help them absorb the flavors as they cook. Add half of the chopped cilantro over the beef.
5. Slow Cook the Barbacoa:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or on HIGH for 4–6 hours, until the beef becomes tender and easy to shred with a fork.
6. Shred the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, mixing it into the sauce to soak up all the flavors.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the barbacoa and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, lime juice, or even an extra minced chipotle pepper if you prefer more heat.
8. Serve:
Garnish with the remaining fresh cilantro and serve hot. Barbacoa pairs perfectly with warm tortillas, rice, beans, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, and bowls. For added flavor, serve with lime wedges, avocado slices, and your favorite salsa.
Tips:
For an extra smoky flavor, sear the beef chunks in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker.
This recipe can also be made in an Instant Pot by cooking on high pressure for about 60–70 minutes and allowing natural pressure release.
Enjoy the tender, flavorful goodness of this homemade slow-cooker barbacoa!
