When life gets hectic, you want a meal that’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying. Beef barbacoa in a slow cooker is the answer. Tender, smoky beef cooks slowly to create a dish that fills your home with an amazing aroma. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a busy weeknight, this recipe saves you time and delivers a comforting meal. Let’s get started on making the perfect beef barbacoa in your slow cooker.
Why We Love This Beef Barbacoa Slow Cooker Recipe
There’s something undeniably special about using a slow cooker to prepare a meal. You toss the ingredients into the pot, set it, and forget it until it’s time to enjoy. The slow cooking process is ideal for cuts of beef like chuck roast, which become incredibly tender when cooked low and slow. But what makes this beef barbacoa even better is the depth of flavor.
Here’s why this recipe will become your go-to:
- Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker handles all the work. No need to watch the pot; just let it cook for hours until the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Rich, Smoky Flavor: The combination of spices like cumin, oregano, and chili peppers creates a deep, smoky flavor that’s typical of traditional barbacoa.
- Budget-Friendly: Chuck roast is an affordable cut of meat that, when cooked slowly, becomes incredibly tender, making it a great choice for large meals on a budget.
- Versatile: Beef barbacoa is incredibly versatile. You can serve it in tacos, burritos, or bowls, or pair it with rice for a satisfying meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes plenty of servings, which means you can make it in advance and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
Beef chuck roast – This cut becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, perfect for barbacoa.
Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic adds depth to the flavor.
Yellow onion – Brings sweetness and richness to the dish.
Dried ancho chili peppers – Provides smoky heat, essential for barbacoa.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – Adds a smoky, spicy kick.
Ground cumin – Gives the barbacoa its earthy flavor.
Ground oregano – Complements the cumin with a herby note.
Ground cloves – Adds warmth and a hint of sweetness.
Beef broth – Rich and savory base for the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar – Balances the richness with mild tang.
How to Make Beef Barbacoa in a Slow Cooker
Making beef barbacoa in your slow cooker is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying tender, flavorful beef in no time.
Prepare the Meat: Start by seasoning the beef with salt, pepper, and ground cumin. Searing the beef is optional, but it helps to develop a rich, caramelized crust, which enhances the overall flavor. To do this, heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and brown the beef on all sides for 5-7 minutes. Once seared, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Blend the Sauce: While the beef is searing, you can prepare the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, onion, dried ancho chili peppers, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Cook in the Slow Cooker: Pour the blended sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Add the bay leaves, cover the slow cooker, and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The longer you cook it on low, the more tender the beef will be.
Shred the Beef: Once the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak up all the flavorful juices.
Serve: Taste the beef and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed. You can now serve the beef barbacoa in tacos, bowls, or any way you prefer.
Expert Tips for Perfect Beef Barbacoa
While this recipe is simple, a few expert tips can help you make sure your beef barbacoa turns out perfectly every time.
Sear the Beef: Don’t skip this step! While it’s optional, searing the beef before slow cooking helps lock in flavor and creates a beautiful crust. It adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
Adjust the Spices: Depending on your personal preference, you can adjust the level of heat in your barbacoa by adding more or less chipotle peppers. If you prefer a milder version, start with one pepper and work your way up.
Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 8 hours will give you the most tender beef, as it has more time to break down and soak in the flavors. If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high for 4 hours will work, but the texture may not be as tender.
Leftovers: Beef barbacoa tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations on Beef Barbacoa Slow Cooker Recipe
While beef barbacoa is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to switch things up and make the recipe your own.
Spicy Barbacoa: If you like your barbacoa on the spicier side, add more chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Vegetarian Barbacoa: For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with jackfruit. It’s a great plant-based substitute that soaks up the flavors of the spices just like beef does.
Barbacoa Bowls: Instead of serving the beef in tacos, create a barbacoa bowl with rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and your favorite toppings for a hearty meal.
Slow Cooker with Beer: For a different flavor profile, add a can of dark beer to the slow cooker along with the other liquids. This will deepen the flavor and add a slight bitterness that complements the spices.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Barbacoa
Beef barbacoa is so versatile that you can serve it in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Tacos: Serve the shredded beef in soft corn tortillas with cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime for an authentic, flavorful taco.
Burritos: Roll the beef barbacoa in a large flour tortilla with rice, beans, cheese, and guacamole for a satisfying meal.
Barbacoa Bowls: Create a healthy, filling bowl by layering beef barbacoa on a bed of cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and avocado. Top with fresh salsa and a dollop of sour cream for the perfect bite.
With Tortillas: Pair the beef barbacoa with crispy tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex treat that everyone will love.
FAQs about Beef Barbacoa Slow Cooker
Can I use a different cut of beef for beef barbacoa in a slow cooker?
Yes, while beef chuck roast is ideal, you can also use brisket or short ribs for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Can I make beef barbacoa ahead of time?
Absolutely! Beef barbacoa actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can make it a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
How do I thicken the sauce for beef barbacoa?
If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it on the stove for a few minutes to reduce it or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up.
Can I use a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker for beef barbacoa?
Yes, you can use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to cook the beef barbacoa in a fraction of the time – about 60 minutes on high pressure with natural release.
Is beef barbacoa slow cooker recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild heat from the chipotle peppers, but you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer peppers depending on your preference.
beef barbacoa slow cooker
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Blender
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs Beef chuck roast
- 4 Garlic cloves minced
- 1 Yellow onion chopped
- 3 Dried ancho chili peppers
- 2 Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground oregano
- 1/4 tsp Ground cloves
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 2 Bay leaves
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, and cumin. Sear in a skillet on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a blender, combine garlic, onion, ancho chili peppers, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, cloves, beef broth, vinegar, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
- Place the seared beef into the slow cooker and pour the blended sauce over it. Add bay leaves. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Once the beef is tender, remove it and shred with a fork. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to soak up the juices.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or lime juice if needed. Serve the beef barbacoa in tacos, burritos, or bowls.