Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender, shredded beef infused with smoky spices, garlic, and a tangy chipotle-lime kick. It’s the perfect make-ahead meal for tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads. Set it and forget it—this recipe delivers deep, authentic flavor with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

beef chuck roast
garlic cloves
chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
apple cider vinegar
lime juice
ground cumin
dried oregano
ground cloves
beef broth
bay leaves
salt
pepper
olive oil

directions

Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks and season with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef on all sides until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.

In a blender, combine garlic, chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, cumin, oregano, cloves, and beef broth. Blend until smooth.

Pour the blended mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add bay leaves.

Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours, or on high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.

Remove bay leaves. Shred the beef using two forks and mix it back into the sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 8–10 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
Total time: up to 10 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Swap beef for pork shoulder to make a pork barbacoa version.
Add a touch of brown sugar or honey for a slightly sweeter balance.
Mix in chopped onions or jalapeños for added texture and heat.
Use orange juice in place of lime for a citrusy twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for barbacoa?
Chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked.

Is barbacoa spicy?
It has a moderate spice level from the chipotle peppers, but you can adjust by using fewer peppers.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes and allow natural release.

Do I need to sear the beef first?
Searing adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Can I use dried chipotle instead of canned?
Yes, rehydrate them in hot water before blending.

Is it necessary to blend the sauce?
Blending ensures even distribution of flavor, but you can finely mince the ingredients as an alternative.

What should I serve it with?
Great in tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, quesadillas, or with rice and beans.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker has enough capacity.

How do I keep it from drying out?
Keep the shredded beef mixed in the sauce and store with extra liquid.

Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything the night before and start cooking in the morning.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa brings bold, savory flavors to your table with almost no effort. Perfectly juicy and spiced, it’s a versatile recipe that can elevate a weeknight dinner or feed a crowd at your next gathering. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a slow-cooker favorite.

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