BARBACOA BEEF (Slow Cooker) Recipe

Barbacoa beef is my go-to when I want comfort food with a kick. I appreciate how the slow-cooked beef gets so tender, absorbing vibrant flavors from lime, chipotle, and spices. It turns ordinary tacos or burritos into a flavorful treat that’s effortlessly cool and ultra satisfying. I cannot get enough.

I’ve been testing this barbacoa beef recipe in my slow cooker and it’s become one of my favs. I use 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast cut into big chunks and lightly brown them using 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.

I then add a large onion, roughly sliced, and 4 garlic cloves minced to boost the flavor. Next comes a cup of beef broth, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and juice of 2 limes for a tang thats healthy with extra vitamin C.

I also put in 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with 1 to 2 tsp extra adobo sauce, dried oregano and 2 tsp ground cumin along with salt and black pepper, and 2 bay leaves for extra flavor. This dish is high in protein and perfect for tacos, burritos and salads.

Its a simple crock pot style meal that works great for dinners and makes a tasty filling for any taco night.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how easy this recipe is to throw together – you just brown the beef, dump everything in the slow cooker, and let it do its thing while you relax.
2. The flavors are insane – the tang of lime with the kick of chipotle and cumin totally make my taste buds go wild.
3. I really appreciate how the beef turns out super tender and juicy, making every bite melt in my mouth.
4. It’s versatile enough for any meal – whether I’m in the mood for tacos, burritos or even a hearty salad, this dish fits perfectly.

Man, this barbacoa beef recipe is so bomb. It’s super simple to prep and then let the slow cooker work its magic. I mean, who doesn’t love beef that’s cooked until it’s ridiculously tender, mixed with a sauce that has the perfect mix of tangy limes and spicy chipotle? I use it in tacos and burritos all the time, and honestly, it never disappoints. It just tastes so amazing and comforting even on a busy day.

Ingredients

• Beef chuck roast gives lots of protein and fat, making the dish super hearty.
• Onion adds natural sweetness, extra fiber, and an aromatic base for slow cooking.
• Lime juice brings bright acidity that really balances out the rich flavors.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo offer smoky heat and a tangy, bold flavor kick.
• Garlic lends savory, aromatic notes that boost both taste and health benefits.
• Apple cider vinegar imparts tangy brightness that cuts through the fatty richness in the sauce.
• Beef broth enriches the dish with extra moisture and deep savory flavor.
• Dried oregano offers an earthy herbal note that complements and enhances the robust spices.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 to 4 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, roughly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 to 2 teaspoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves

How to Make this

1. Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat and sear the beef chunks until they get a nice brown color on all sides.

2. Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker and add the roughly sliced large onion.

3. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until it smells amazing; then dump it into the slow cooker.

4. Pour in the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and the juice of 2 limes.

5. Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers along with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the adobo sauce.

6. Now add the dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and ground black pepper into the mix, and throw in the 2 bay leaves.

7. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the beef is super tender.

8. Once done, remove the bay leaves and shred the beef with two forks, then mix it well with the flavorful sauce.

9. Serve the barbacoa beef as a tasty filling for tacos, burritos, salads, or however you like it, and enjoy the amazing flavors.

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker – used to simmer the beef for several hours until it’s tender.
2. Large skillet – needed for searing the beef and cooking the garlic.
3. Knife – for chopping the garlic, slicing the onion, and cutting the beef.
4. Cutting board – provides a safe surface for all the cutting tasks.
5. Measuring cups and spoons – used to accurately measure oil, vinegar, broth, and spices.
6. Citrus juicer – helps get the juice out of the limes.
7. Spatula or tongs – for moving the beef from the skillet to the slow cooker.
8. Forks – two are needed for shredding the cooked beef.

FAQ

• Question: Can I use a different cut of meat?
  Answer: Sure you can, but the beef chuck roast is best for its flavor and tenderness even if you try something else.
• Question: How long do I need to cook the beef in the slow cooker?
  Answer: Generally, you want to cook it on low for about 8 hours or on high for roughly 5 to 6 hours for the best results.
• Question: Is it necessary to brown the beef before cooking?
  Answer: Browning the beef isnt required but it definitely locks in more flavor so it´s worth the extra step if you have the time.
• Question: Can I substitute apple cider vinegar with another vinegar?
  Answer: Yes, you can use white vinegar or red wine vinegar but apple cider vinegar really gives that nice tangy kick.
• Question: What dishes go well with barbacoa beef?
  Answer: It tastes great in tacos, burritos, or even served over a bed of rice, so feel free to experiment.

BARBACOA BEEF (Slow Cooker) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Beef chuck roast: If you can’t get beef chuck roast, you could use pork shoulder instead. It cooks up similar and gives a good flavor.
• Vegetable oil: You can swap this out for olive oil or canola oil if you’re out of vegetable oil. It will work just fine for browning the meat.
• Apple cider vinegar: Try using red wine vinegar or even white vinegar if apple cider vinegar isn’t available. Just use a bit less to avoid too much tang.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: If you dont have these, a mix of smoked paprika with a little cayenne pepper can add some heat and smokiness as a decent replacement.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you get a good, thorough sear on your beef before it goes in the slow cooker because that brown color locks in tons of flavor. If you rush it, you might miss out on that extra depth.

2. If you have time, marinate the beef in a little of the mixture overnight in the fridge. This little hack can seriously boost the taste and make the meat super tender.

3. Fresh lime juice beats the bottled stuff every time, so squeeze them by hand if you can. Fresh juice brings a more vibrant tang that really makes the dish pop.

4. Always taste the sauce before you shred the meat. That way you can adjust the salt or spices as needed because sometimes your seasoning might need a little extra boost.