Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa

Posted on August 14, 2025

There’s something magical about the aroma of Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa wafting through your home, wrapping you in a warm embrace of spices and savory goodness. The tender beef, slow-cooked to perfection, practically melts in your mouth, making every bite feel like a hug from the inside out. Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Imagine pulling that first forkful, and as you do, the rich, smoky scent envelops you like an old friend, promising a delightful feast.

I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a rainy Sunday afternoon. My family gathered around the table with eager faces, anticipation bubbling in the air. As we dug into the tender beef barbacoa piled high on warm tortillas, laughter filled our kitchen. delicious Monterey Chicken Spaghetti It was one of those moments that sticks with you—a delicious reminder that food brings us together in ways nothing else can.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa recipe is effortless to prepare and packed with bold flavors
  • The vibrant colors make it visually appealing for any gathering
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy in tacos or as a hearty topping for nachos
  • Everyone will be asking for seconds!

I once served this dish at a potluck dinner and received countless compliments; my friends were convinced I had been cooking for hours!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Chuck Roast: A well-marbled cut works best, ensuring juicy and tender results after slow cooking. For more inspiration, check out this Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe recipe.
  • Onions: Use sweet onions for a flavor boost; they caramelize beautifully during cooking.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential; it adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s freshness with its unique aroma.
  • Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the beef.
  • Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These smoky beauties add spice and depth—use them according to your heat preference.
  • Cumin and Oregano: These spices bring warmth and earthiness to your barbacoa, elevating its flavor complexity.
  • Beef Broth: This helps keep everything moist while adding additional savory notes during cooking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. traditional Pozole recipe.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare yourself for an adventure in slow cooking that will make you feel like a culinary wizard.

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop your onions and garlic; revel in their aromatic charm as they fill your kitchen.

Sear the Chuck Roast: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with some oil. Season your chuck roast generously with salt and pepper before searing until brown on all sides—about 4-5 minutes per side works wonders.

Add Everything to the Slow Cooker: Place your beautifully seared roast into the slow cooker. Throw in those chopped onions, minced garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, lime juice, and beef broth. Stir it all together like you’re conducting an orchestra of flavors.

Set It and Forget It: Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. Time to put your feet up while deliciousness unfolds!

Shred & Serve: Once it’s done cooking, shred that tender beef right in the pot using two forks—no gym workout needed here! Mix it well with those delectable juices before serving on warm tortillas or over rice.

Preparing this Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is not just about food; it’s about creating memories filled with laughter around your dining table. refreshing Thai Quinoa Crunch Salad Enjoy each bite as you savor the bold flavors that make this dish irresistible!

You Must Know

  • Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is not just a meal; it’s an experience
  • The rich aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone wonder what magic is happening
  • Plus, it’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or just eating straight out of the pot with a fork!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the beef for a deeper flavor, then combine with spices and slow-cook for 8 hours. This sequence enhances taste and texture while ensuring everything cooks evenly.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out beef for lamb or add your favorite peppers for an extra kick. You can also mix in fresh cilantro or lime juice before serving to brighten up the flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover barbacoa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on low in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa, always choose well-marbled cuts like chuck roast for maximum tenderness
  • Don’t rush the cooking process; patience is key to achieving melt-in-your-mouth beef
  • Lastly, remember to let it rest before shredding for juicy results

Sometimes, I think my slow cooker deserves its own award. One time, I made this barbacoa for a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds—definitely a proud moment!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen beef for Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa?

For more inspiration, check out this Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe.

Yes, but ensure to thaw it first to cook evenly.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa?

Tacos, rice bowls, or even nachos are perfect accompaniments.

How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

Simply add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños according to your preference.

Print

Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa

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Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is a tender and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. With its rich, smoky aroma and melt-in-your-mouth beef, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal perfect for tacos, burritos, or even as a stand-alone feast. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings friends and family together around the table.

  • Author: Gordon Calloway
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs chuck roast
  • 2 medium sweet onions, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Chop onions and mince garlic.
  2. Sear the chuck roast in a skillet over medium-high heat with oil until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
  3. Place the seared roast in the slow cooker. Add onions, garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, lime juice, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is tender.
  5. Shred the beef using two forks and mix it with the juices before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 170g
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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