Beef Barbacoa (Slow Cooker)
Tender, juicy, slow cooker beef barbacoa is a fiesta of flavors! It's perfect wrapped up in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast cut into 6 to 8 pieces
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (4-ounces) green chilies
- 2 chipotles in adobo diced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth (try to use low-sodium beef broth whenever possible)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- juices from 2 limes
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In the bowl of your slow cooker combine the chuck roast pieces, onions, garlic, green chilies, chipotles, ground cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, vinegar, and lime juice; pour the broth mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Add bay leaves.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Cooked beef should be tender and should fall apart easily when shredded with a fork.
- Remove the beef from the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Using two forks, or shredder claws, shred the beef into bite-size pieces.
- Transfer the shredded beef back into the slow cooker; stir everything together until completely incorporated.
- Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve.
Notes
- I use chuck roast in this recipe because it is a well-marbled, flavorful beef cut suitable for slow cooking.
- Season generously: Don't skip on any herbs and spices to infuse the beef with robust flavors.
- For enhanced flavor and texture, sear the beef in a hot skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker.
- To keep the beef moist and tender during the slow cooking process, add flavorful liquids. I like lime juice, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar. You can also add orange juice. The liquid will help break down the collagen in the meat, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- When finished with the cooking process, reduce the liquid and use it as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over your tacos. Strain the cooking liquid and transfer it to a saucepan. Simmer the liquid on the stovetop until it reduces and thickens slightly.
- Use the beef barbacoa to create mouthwatering tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, or enjoy it over rice.
Nutrition
Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 559mg | Potassium: 514mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 184IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 4mg
