Juiciest Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Recipe Ever

Beef barbacoa simmering in a slow cooker creates magic for anyone seeking incredible Mexican-inspired comfort.

Tender meat falls apart with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Regional spices dance through each delicious bite, promising an authentic culinary adventure.

Traditional techniques merge with modern convenience in this straightforward preparation.

Succulent layers of seasoned beef develop rich, complex notes during long, gentle cooking.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you embrace this simple yet spectacular dish.

Prepare to impress everyone around your dining table with this mouthwatering recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

What Brings Out the Flavor in Barbacoa Beef

• Prepare this barbacoa beef with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy weekdays when you want delicious dinner without complex cooking steps.
• Simply combine ingredients in the slow cooker, walk away, and return to tender, flavor-packed meat that practically shreds itself with zero fuss.
• Transform this juicy beef into multiple meal options like tacos, burritos, nachos, or quesadillas, making it a flexible recipe that keeps everyone happy and satisfied.
• The combination of chipotle peppers, spices, and slow cooking creates a deeply rich, smoky, and complex taste that elevates the humble beef to restaurant-quality deliciousness.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Recipe

• Chuck Roast or Brisket: Classic cuts with rich marbling, perfect for slow cooking and creating tender, flavorful barbacoa beef.

• Cumin, Oregano, Smoked Paprika: Warm, earthy spices that provide depth and traditional Mexican flavor profile.
• Ground Cloves: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the barbacoa seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste and balancing other flavors.

• Chipotle Peppers: Smoky, spicy peppers that give bold, intense heat and authentic Mexican character.
• Garlic, Onion: Foundational aromatics that create a robust flavor base for the beef.
• Lime Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar: Bright, tangy ingredients that tenderize meat and add zesty brightness.
• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory depth during slow cooking.
• Olive Oil: Used for optional searing to develop rich, caramelized exterior on the beef.
• Fresh Cilantro: Optional garnish that offers fresh, herbal finish to the dish.

Instructions for Preparing Barbacoa Beef in the Crockpot

Step 1: Sear and Prepare the Beef

• Select a robust beef cut suitable for slow cooking
• Pat the beef dry with paper towels
• Sprinkle the beef generously with salt and black pepper
• Heat a heavy skillet with olive oil over high heat
• Sear each beef chunk until deep golden brown on all sides
• Transfer seared beef pieces directly into the slow cooker

Step 2: Craft the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• Fresh garlic cloves
• White onion
• Fresh lime juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cloves
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth and pour over beef in the slow cooker

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Pour beef broth into the slow cooker
• Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours
• Alternatively, cook on high heat for 4-6 hours
• Beef is ready when it falls apart easily with a fork

Step 4: Shred and Absorb Flavors

• Remove beef from slow cooker
• Shred meat using two forks
• Return shredded beef back into cooking liquid
• Allow beef to simmer in juices for additional 15-20 minutes

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Chop fresh cilantro for garnish
• Serve in warm corn tortillas
• Create burrito bowls
• Top nachos
• Stuff quesadillas
• Add to salads

Pro Tips for Tender Barbacoa Beef Every Time

• Enhance Meat Tenderness: Sear the beef chunks before slow cooking to lock in juices and develop a rich, caramelized exterior for deeper flavor profiles.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chipotle pepper quantity to control heat intensity- use fewer peppers for mild or more for extra spiciness without compromising the recipe's core taste.
• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Allow shredded beef to simmer in cooking juices for 15-20 minutes after shredding to ensure maximum flavor penetration and moisture retention.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare barbacoa beef in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months, making meal prep quick and convenient for busy weeknights.
• Dietary Flexibility: Serve in low-carb lettuce wraps for keto diets or use as protein-rich filling for gluten-free corn tortillas to accommodate various nutritional preferences.

Reheating and Storage Guidelines for Barbacoa Beef

• Store leftover barbacoa beef in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
• Refrigerated beef stays fresh for 3-4 days. Keep juices with the meat to prevent drying out and maintain delicious taste.
• Transfer cooled beef to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
• Warm refrigerated beef in microwave with a splash of broth, stirring every 30 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in skillet over medium heat, adding broth to prevent sticking and restore moisture.

Recommended Sides for Barbacoa Beef

• Refresh your palate with a zesty lime margarita that perfectly balances the rich, spicy beef flavors and cuts through the meat's intense heat.
• Create a vibrant side dish featuring grilled corn, cotija cheese, and chili powder that adds bright, tangy notes to the tender barbacoa beef.
• Prepare a light, fresh cucumber salsa with red onions and cilantro to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, spicy meat.
• Whip up a smooth avocado crema that adds a creamy, cooling element to temper the barbacoa's bold and spicy profile.

Alternative Spices for Barbacoa Beef

• Instant Pot Express: Speed up cooking by using an Instant Pot, reducing cooking time to 60-75 minutes on high pressure with natural release for tender, flavorful barbacoa beef.
• Vegetarian Jackfruit Alternative: Replace beef with young green jackfruit, maintaining similar spice profile and slow-cooking method for a plant-based version that mimics barbacoa texture.
• Keto-Friendly Low-Carb Option: Serve barbacoa over cauliflower rice or wrapped in large lettuce leaves, eliminating tortillas to create a carbohydrate-conscious meal while preserving authentic flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm all ingredient labels are gluten-free, particularly checking beef broth and spice mixes, ensuring safe consumption for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Most Asked Questions on Barbacoa Beef Recipe

• Why sear the beef before slow cooking?

Searing creates a flavorful brown crust that adds depth and richness to the meat by caramelizing its surface through a process called the Maillard reaction, which enhances the overall taste of the barbacoa beef.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While beef chuck roast works best, you can substitute with beef brisket or beef short ribs, which have similar fat content and tenderness that helps create a succulent barbacoa result.

• What if I don't have all the spices listed in the recipe?

You can still make barbacoa by using core spices like cumin, oregano, and salt. The key is maintaining a balance of flavors, so substitute similar spices if you’re missing some ingredients.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chipotle peppers add a moderate level of heat, but you can control the spiciness by reducing the number of peppers or using mild chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a more subtle kick.

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican barbacoa beef simmers with robust spices and tender meat, creating a mouthwatering experience. Hearty shreds of slow-cooked beef promise a delicious meal that brings rich flavors to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 3.4 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks

Peppers and Aromatics:

• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Seasonings and Liquids:

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing, optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Enhance the beef’s flavor profile by searing beef chunks in a sizzling skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden-brown crust on all surfaces. This optional step develops rich caramelized notes before transferring to the slow cooker.
2. Craft an aromatic sauce by combining zesty chipotle peppers, pungent garlic, diced onion, tangy lime juice, robust apple cider vinegar, earthy cumin, fragrant oregano, smoky paprika, warming ground cloves, and seasoning. Thoroughly coat the meat with this vibrant mixture.
3. Pour beef broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the meat is generously submerged in the liquid. Secure the lid and allow the beef to tenderize gradually, cooking on low temperature for 8-10 hours or accelerated on high for 4-6 hours until meat becomes supremely tender.
4. Extract the beef from its flavorful bath and meticulously shred using two forks, breaking down the meat into delicate, succulent strands. Reintroduce the shredded meat into the cooking liquid, allowing it to marinate and absorb the complex seasoning for an additional 15-20 minutes.
5. Transform the barbacoa into a versatile centerpiece by nestling it within warm tortillas, layering over crisp nachos, stuffing into quesadillas, or crowning a hearty burrito bowl. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro as a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Searing the beef before slow cooking creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile by caramelizing the meat’s exterior.
• Experiment with different types of chili peppers to adjust the heat level and add unique flavor nuances to the barbacoa.
• For a leaner version, choose a trimmed beef chuck roast or use a leaner cut like bottom round, which will still remain tender during slow cooking.
• Meal prep friendly recipe: store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months for quick future meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg