I just made my favorite Beef Barbacoa Slow Cooker recipe featuring hearty beef chuck roast, bold chipotle peppers in adobo, and tangy lime juice mingled with garlic and cumin. This enticing dish layers smoky spice with tender meat, creating a complex flavor profile that has quickly become a must-try addition to my recipe collection.

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I’ve been experimenting with different slow cooker recipes lately and I’ve gotta say, this Best Beef Barbacoa is a game changer for taco night. I start out with 3 lbs beef chuck roast cut into large chunks and mix in 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with a bit of extra adobo sauce.

Then I add 1/4 cup fresh lime juice and 1/2 cup beef broth to give it a bright, tangy kick. I also toss in 3 minced garlic cloves, a small roughly chopped onion, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp ground cumin and 1 tsp dried oregano.

To round it out I add 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper and 2 bay leaves. The result is a shredded beef that feels just like the one at Chipotle but in my opinion, far better.

I love preparing this hearty dish that brings a burst of bold flavors without being overly fancy. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me that awesome smoky flavor from the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. I’m a big fan of the kick you get from that mix of spices and lime juice, and it really brings out a bold taste in the beef.

I also like how the beef gets super tender after slow cooking all day. It just falls apart so easily, which means I can shred it up quickly for tacos or burrito bowls without any hassle.

Finally, I appreciate how easy it is to make. I don’t need to babysit it the whole time, and the flavors just come together perfectly even when I’m not super precise with the measurements.

Ingredients

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Beef Chuck Roast: A hearty protein source rich in iron that brings savory depth and chewiness.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: Smoky tangy peppers that add spice and vitamins while enriching flavor.
Fresh Lime Juice: Provides bright acidity and vitamin C to balance the dish with a sour kick.
Garlic: Gives a potent burst of flavor and antioxidants which supports overall heart health.
Beef Broth: Enhances moisture and umami flavor without extra carbohydrates in every bite.
Small Onion: Delivers a mild sweetness and essential aromatic depth during slow cooking.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a tangy zing that helps round out the flavors nicely.
Bay Leaves: Infuses earthy nuances with each slow simmer for an added layer of complexity.
Ground Cumin: Offers warm earthy notes that further boost the dish and taste awesome.

Ingredient Quantities

3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks

4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (with a bit of the sauce)

2 tbsp extra adobo sauce

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/2 cup beef broth

3 garlic cloves, minced up small

1 small onion, roughly chopped

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

2 bay leaves

How to Make this

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1. First, cut your beef chuck roast into large chunks and place them in your slow cooker.

2. In a bowl, mix together the 4 chipotle peppers (with a bit of their adobo sauce), 2 tbsp extra adobo sauce, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup beef broth, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 roughly chopped small onion.

3. Now stir in 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt (or more if you like), and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper into the mixture.

4. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker ensuring all pieces are coated well.

5. Add 2 bay leaves to the pot.

6. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours until the beef is super tender and falls apart easily.

7. Once done, take out the bay leaves and give the beef a good stir.

8. Use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker so it soaks up all the flavors.

9. If you find the sauce isn’t thick enough for your taste, you can leave the lid off on high for the last 30 minutes to let it reduce a bit.

10. Serve your barbacoa in tacos or burrito bowls with your favorite toppings and enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. A sharp kitchen knife
2. A sturdy cutting board
3. A mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. A slow cooker with its lid
6. A pair of forks for shredding the beef

FAQ

How long should I cook it in the slow cooker?

Most people cook it on low for about 8 hours so the beef gets super tender and easy to shred. You can also cook it on high for 6 hours if youre in a hurry.

Can I use another cut of beef aside from chuck roast?

Yes you can, but chuck roast gives the best flavour and texture. Other cuts might work too but may not be as juicy or tender.

What if I dont like spicy food?

You can totally cut back on the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking, its all about making it work for you.

Do I have to sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Searing isnt a must but it adds a rich flavour to the dish. If you have the time, go ahead and brown the meat in a pan first.

How should I store any leftovers?

Let it cool, then put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it if you want to save it longer.

Best Beef Barbacoa (Slow Cooker) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you’re out of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, try mixing 1 tsp of smoked paprika with a few drops of hot sauce to get that smoky spice.
If you don’t have extra adobo sauce, a small spoonful of tomato paste mixed with a bit of smoked paprika can work fine as a substitute.
If you run low on beef broth, you can use chicken broth or even water with a bouillon cube to keep that rich flavor.
If fresh lime juice isn’t available, lemon juice does the job pretty well, though it gives a slightly different tang.
For apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used instead. Just remember to use a bit less since they’re a little stronger.

Pro Tips

1. You can brown the beef chunks in a skillet before throwing them into the slow cooker, it really boosts the flavor and gives the meat a nice sear.
2. If you really like it spicy, feel free to add an extra chipotle or a splash more lime juice – don’t be afraid to tweak it to your taste.
3. For a thicker, richer sauce, consider leaving the lid off the slow cooker during the last 30 mins so some of the liquid evaporates.
4. Always give it a taste before serving, sometimes the slow cooking process mellow the flavors so you might need a little extra salt or pepper at the end.