Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa - Tender, Flavorful and Easy
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is a flavorful, tender, and spicy shredded beef dish perfect for tacos, burritos, and more. With a combination of smoky chipotle peppers, tangy lime juice, and rich spices, this dish is slow-cooked to perfection for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.It's easy to make, versatile, and a great meal-prep option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast cut into large chunks
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 small onion diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Sear the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together apple cider vinegar, lime juice, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cloves, salt, and black pepper.
- Assemble the Slow Cooker: Pour the spice mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and diced onion.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Discard bay leaves.
- Mix and Serve: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the sauce. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the barbacoa in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice with your favorite toppings.