Barbacoa Beef
A rich and flavorful slow-cooked barbacoa beef recipe that yields tender, juicy meat perfect for tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds beef chuck roast (fat trimmed and cut into 2-inch chunks) Choose a marbled cut for better tenderness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) Use fresh garlic for better flavor.
- 3-4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped) Adjust quantity based on heat preference.
- 1 can (4-ounce) diced green chiles
- 1 small white onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice Use freshly squeezed for best taste.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup beef broth Helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Chop the beef chuck roast into manageable 2-inch chunks and mince the garlic.
- Chop the chipotle peppers finely, taking care due to their spice.
Assembly
- Place the beef chunks into the slow cooker, followed by the minced garlic, chopped chipotle peppers, and diced green chiles.
- Add the finely chopped onion, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar.
- Sprinkle in the bay leaves, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground cloves.
- Pour in the beef broth to help keep the meat moist.
- Toss the ingredients gently to combine.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
- The beef is ready when it becomes tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Shredding and Serving
- Remove the bay leaves and transfer the meat to a cutting board.
- Shred the beef with two forks and return it to the slow cooker to soak in the juices for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or burrito bowls with your preferred garnishes.
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Notes
For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or freeze for 2 to 3 months. To reheat, add a splash of broth for moisture.