Description
This Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa recipe delivers tender, flavorful shredded beef infused with smoky chipotle peppers and a blend of aromatic spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls, this dish is cooked low and slow to develop rich, complex flavors with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 3 pounds chuck roast (cut into 3 inch chunks)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Aromatics
- 3 chipotle chilis in adobo
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 white onion (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Pat the beef chunks dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle all sides evenly with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper to season the meat thoroughly.
- Brown the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until hot. Brown the chuck roast pieces on each side for a few minutes to develop a flavorful crust, which enhances the final taste.
- Make the Sauce: In a blender, combine 3 chipotle chilis in adobo, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 3 garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. Blend until smooth, creating a rich, smoky sauce.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef chunks into a slow cooker. Pour the blended sauce over the meat and toss to coat all pieces evenly. Add 2 bay leaves and 1 sliced white onion to the slow cooker for additional aromatic flavor.
- Cook Slowly: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 7 to 8 hours, or alternatively on high for 4 hours. Once cooked, use tongs or forks to shred the beef into smaller, bite-sized pieces before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a well-marbled chuck roast to keep the beef moist and flavorful during slow cooking.
- You can adjust the number of chipotle chilis to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Serve the barbacoa with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges for a classic taco experience.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved depending on the number of servings needed.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
