Barbacoa Beef
Ingredients
- 3 lb chuck roast
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups beef broth
divided
- 3 - 4 chipotle chilies in adobo*
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 Tbsp ground cumin
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 3 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
Directions
- 1
Cut roast into 6 portions while removing any large pieces of fat. Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet.
- 2
Dab roast dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper (about 1 tsp salt 3/4 tsp pepper). Add 3 pieces to skillet and sear until browned on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker.
- 3
Add remaining 1 Tbsp vegetable oil to skillet and repeat process with remaining 3 roast pieces. Nestle beef portions side by side in an even layer in slow cooker.
- 4
In a food processor, pulse together chipotle chilies, garlic and 1/4 cup beef broth until well pureed, occasionally stopping and scraping down sides of processor.
- 5
In a 2 cup liquid measuring cup or in a bowl, whisk together remaining beef broth with chipotle mixture, cumin, oregano and cloves. Pour mixture over beef in slow cooker, then nestle bay leaves between beef portions.
- 6
Cover and cook on low heat 8 - 9 hours**.
- 7
Remove beef from slow cooker (leave broth) and shred. Stir lime juice into broth in slow cooker then return beef to slow cooker and cook on low or warm 20 - 30 minutes longer.
- 8
Strain liquid from beef and serve in tortillas with desired toppings.
Barbacoa Beef
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 69 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that incredibly tender, flavor-packed beef from your favorite Mexican restaurant? This Barbacoa Beef recipe delivers a crave-worthy dinner experience right in your own kitchen, perfect for filling tortillas with all your favorite toppings.
This recipe works by harnessing the power of low and slow cooking, transforming a humble chuck roast into fall-apart tender meat. The secret to its deeply savory and subtly spicy character lies in a robust blend of chipotle chilies in adobo, aromatic garlic, earthy cumin, fragrant oregano, and a hint of ground cloves, all brightened by fresh lime juice.
Expect a succulent, richly seasoned beef that practically melts in your mouth, infused with smoky notes from the chipotles and a refreshing tang from the lime. The long cooking time ensures every shred of meat is incredibly tender, making it ideal for piling high into tacos or burritos. This flavorful meat is sure to become a new family favorite.
Customizing this Barbacoa Beef is simple. You can easily adjust the spice level by using fewer or more of the chipotle chilies in adobo, finding that perfect balance for your palate. For an extra bright finish, consider adding a touch more fresh lime juice right before serving. While fantastic in tortillas, this versatile beef also pairs wonderfully with rice or layered into a hearty bowl.
Serve this deliciously seasoned Barbacoa Beef as the star of your next taco night or casual dinner gathering. It’s perfect piled high in warm tortillas with classic toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of extra lime, creating a memorable meal that feels both comforting and special.