Slow Cooker Barbacoa Recipe

If you’re craving bold, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth meat, then this Slow Cooker Barbacoa recipe is exactly what you need. Think tender, flavorful beef slowly simmering in a blend of spices, herbs, and a bit of heat, all coming together to create the perfect taco filling, burrito base, or even a hearty topping for nachos. And the best part? You set it, forget it, and let your slow cooker do all the work.

Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell amazing while this barbacoa cooks low and slow, and the flavors will be so rich and deep you’ll find yourself wondering how something this delicious was so easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping a week of tasty meals, this one’s a winner every time.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Barbacoa

This recipe is everything you want in a dinner: it’s flavorful, versatile, and super easy. You just throw everything in the slow cooker, let it simmer, and voilà! Here’s why this barbacoa is going to be your new go-to recipe:

Full of Flavor:

The slow cooking process allows the beef to soak up all those incredible spices, garlic, and citrus, making each bite bursting with flavor. Every piece of meat is tender and perfectly seasoned.

Super Easy:

This isn’t a fussy recipe! You’ll simply sear the beef (optional) and then let the slow cooker work its magic. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a party and need to feed a crowd without a ton of effort.

Versatile:

The uses for this barbacoa are endless! It’s perfect in tacos, burritos, on rice, in salads, or even on a sandwich. This recipe works for whatever you’re in the mood for.

Tender and Juicy:

The slow cooker helps the beef become incredibly tender, practically falling apart with the touch of a fork. That’s the beauty of slow cooking—your beef will be so juicy and soft, it’s like it’s been marinated for hours (which it has!).

Ingredients

For the Barbacoa:

• Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, becoming super tender while retaining a rich flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic for that irresistible savory aroma.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: A little smoky heat with a touch of tang. Perfect for adding depth and spice.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives that zesty citrus kick that brightens up the rich beef flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a slight tang to balance the richness of the meat.
• Beef Broth: Keeps the meat moist and juicy while it cooks.
• Ground Cumin: Gives the barbacoa its signature earthy, warm flavor.
• Ground Oregano: Adds a bit of herbaceous flavor to complement the other spices.
• Ground Cloves: A pinch adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, of course!
• Bay Leaves: For an aromatic note while it simmers.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Beef

1. Sear the Meat (Optional): While optional, searing the beef in a hot skillet before putting it in the slow cooker adds a nice caramelized crust and deeper flavor. Season your beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear it on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 2: Prepare the Barbacoa Sauce

1. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the onion, garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, ground cumin, ground oregano, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Blend until smooth. This will be your flavorful sauce!

Step 3: Slow Cook the Barbacoa

1. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place your seared beef roast into the slow cooker. Pour the blended sauce over the beef. Add the bay leaves for extra flavor.
2. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The meat should be falling apart when it’s done.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

1. Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bay leaves.
2. Mix the Meat with the Sauce: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the juices. Let it soak up all that flavorful goodness for a few minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve: Now comes the fun part—serve your barbacoa however you like! It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, on top of rice, or even piled high on a salad. Garnish with your favorite toppings, like cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 375
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 580mg
Total Carbohydrates: 6g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Sugars: 3g
Protein: 42g
Vitamin A: 4% of your daily value
Vitamin C: 15% of your daily value
Calcium: 2% of your daily value
Iron: 25% of your daily value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low setting) or 4-5 hours (high setting)
• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)

How to Serve Slow Cooker Barbacoa

In Tacos

Pile the shredded barbacoa onto warm tortillas and top with cilantro, onions, lime wedges, and a drizzle of crema for the perfect taco.

Over Rice

Serve the barbacoa on top of a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal. Add a side of black beans or corn for a complete dish.

In Burritos

Fill a large flour tortilla with barbacoa, rice, beans, and your favorite toppings for an epic burrito.

As Nacho Topping

Crispy tortilla chips topped with barbacoa, cheese, and your favorite toppings make for an amazing plate of nachos.

Additional Tips

• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze any leftover barbacoa for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add more chipotle peppers or a jalapeño to the sauce.
• Meat Alternatives: You can also use pork or chicken for a different take on barbacoa.
• Skip the Searing: If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the searing step and just throw the beef straight into the slow cooker with the sauce. It’ll still turn out delicious!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make barbacoa with other cuts of beef?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the beef chuck roast with other cuts like brisket or round roast, but the chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and flavor.

Q2: Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
A2: Absolutely! For the Instant Pot, cook the barbacoa on high pressure for 60 minutes with a natural release, and it will be just as tender.

Q3: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A3: Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a lighter version. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious!

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I make barbacoa spicier?
A5: Absolutely! Add extra chipotle peppers or even some fresh jalapeños to the sauce to give it more heat.

Q6: How do I reheat leftover barbacoa?
A6: Reheat the barbacoa in the slow cooker on low, in the microwave, or on the stovetop with a little bit of beef broth to keep it moist.

Q7: What can I serve barbacoa with?
A7: Barbacoa is great with rice, beans, tacos, burritos, or even nachos. The options are endless!

Q8: Can I make this barbacoa ahead of time?
A8: Yes! Barbacoa stores really well, and the flavors only get better after a day or two in the fridge.

Q9: Can I freeze barbacoa?
A9: Yes! Freeze leftover barbacoa in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently for best results.

Q10: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A10: Yes! Barbacoa is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free tortillas or sides if needed.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Barbacoa is perfect for those days when you want something flavorful, tender, and oh-so-satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it in tacos, burritos, or over rice, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the flavors, savor the simplicity, and get ready for some serious compliments at the dinner table!

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