Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pounds chuck roast
cut into 6 to 8 chunks
- 1 large yellow onion
diced
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 can green chilies
4-ounces
- 2 chipotles in adobo
diced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
), (try to use low-sodium beef broth whenever possible
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- juices from 2 limes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
for garnish
Directions
- 1
In the bowl of your slow cooker combine prepped chuck roast, onions, garlic, green chilies, chipotles, ground cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 2
In a small bowl whisk together beef broth, vinegar, and lime juice; pour broth mixture over ingredients in slow cooker.
- 3
Add bay leaves.
- 4
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.
- 5
Remove beef from slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board.
- 6
Using two forks, or shredder claws, shred the beef into bite size pieces.
- 7
Transfer shredded beef back into the slow cooker; stir everything together until completely incorporated.
- 8
Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve.
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
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About this Recipe
Craving incredibly tender, flavor-packed beef barbacoa that practically cooks itself? This slow cooker recipe delivers a rich, succulent meal perfect for any occasion, transforming a simple cut of meat into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort.
This recipe shines by leveraging the magic of slow cooking. The low and slow process gently breaks down the chuck roast, ensuring every shred of beef is impossibly tender. Infusing it with the aromatic blend of cumin, oregano, smoky chipotles in adobo, and bright lime juice creates a depth of flavor that is truly remarkable and reminiscent of authentic barbacoa.
Prepare for a taste experience where the beef is so tender it falls apart with just a fork, soaking up a savory, smoky, and slightly tangy sauce. The rich, robust flavor profile is balanced beautifully by the subtle heat of green chilies and chipotles, making each bite deeply satisfying. It’s a comforting yet vibrant dish that promises to be a crowd-pleaser, delivering complex flavors you might expect from a restaurant, all from your own kitchen.
Customization is simple and encouraged. Feel free to swap the fresh cilantro for parsley if that's what you have on hand for the garnish. While the recipe specifies low-sodium beef broth, you can adjust the salt content to your preference. The core flavors from the spices and chilies are what truly define this barbacoa.
Serve this versatile Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa in warm tortillas for tacos, layered in burritos, or as the star of a hearty rice bowl. Don't forget a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.