Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa

Name: Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 3-in chunks; 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced; 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can); 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp dried oregano (Mexican preferred); 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 2 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 2 bay leaves

Beef chuck braised low and slow in a smoky chipotle-lime sauce until it shreds apart effortlessly - perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. Plan ahead: cook time is 8 to 10 hours on low.

50 minEasyServes 6440 cal/serving

MexicanDinnerSlow CookerHigh ProteinLow CarbGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 3-in chunks
4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano (Mexican preferred)
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 bay leaves

Instructions

1

Season 3 lbs cut into 3-in chunks beef chuck roast pieces all over with 2 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
2

In the slow cooker, whisk together 4 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can), 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp dried oregano (Mexican preferred), and 1/4 tsp ground cloves.
3

Add the beef to the slow cooker and turn to coat in the sauce. Tuck 2 bay leaves in among the beef pieces.
4

Cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender and reaches an internal temperature well above 160°F (71°C) throughout.
5

Remove and discard the bay leaves. Use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker, then stir to coat with the cooking juices.
6

Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve in tacos, burritos, or over rice, spooning some of the cooking juices over the top.

Questions

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Keep the slow cooker between half and two-thirds full; the cook time stays roughly the same.

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