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
Prep Time 10 minutesmins
Cook Time 4 hourshrs
Total Time 4 hourshrs20 minutesmins
Ingredients
3 to 4poundschuck roast,cut into 6 to 8 pieces
1largeyellow onion,diced
4clovesgarlic,minced
1can (4-ounces)green chilies
2chipotles in adobo,diced
1tablespoonground cumin
1tablespoondried oregano
1 ½teaspoonssalt
¾teaspoonfresh ground black pepper
½cupbeef broth,(try to use low-sodium beef broth whenever possible)
2tablespoonsapple cider vinegar
juices from 2 limes
2bay leaves
¼cupchopped 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.
We 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.
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.