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Easy Barbacoa Beef slow cooker shredded beef in a bowl with toppings.

Barbacoa Beef

This easy Barbacoa Beef recipe is perfect for busy days, delivering bold taco shop flavor with minimal effort. Cooked low and slow, enjoy juicy, pull-apart beef perfect for tacos, bowls, and more.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Total Time 9 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3-4 pounds Beef chuck roast Boneless is easiest.
  • 1-2 tablespoons Oil Optional, for searing.
  • 2 pieces Chipotle peppers in adobo Use 2 peppers plus 1 tablespoon of sauce for medium heat.
  • 3/4 cup Beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
  • 1-2 pieces Limes For juice.
  • 4-6 cloves Garlic
  • 1 small Onion Rough chopped.
  • 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
  • 2 leaves Bay leaves

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Optional sear: If desired, sear the chuck roast in a hot pan with a bit of oil for 10 minutes until browned on the edges.
  2. Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until mostly smooth.
Cooking
  1. Place the beef in the slow cooker. Pour the blended sauce over the beef and add bay leaves.
  2. Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the beef shreds easily.
Serving
  1. Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Stir the shredded beef back into the cooking juices and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
  2. Serve in tacos, rice bowls, nachos, or breakfast burritos as desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, ensuring some cooking juices are included to keep it moist. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on low heat with a splash of broth or water. Taste the cooking liquid after shredding, adding more salt or lime as needed.