Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is a rich, savory dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers in a blend of spices, chipotle peppers, and tangy lime juice. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and ideal for meal prep or gatherings.

ingredients

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

beef chuck roastchipotle peppers in adobo saucegarlic clovesbeef brothapple cider vinegarlime juiceground cuminoreganoground clovesbay leaveskosher saltsalt and pepperolive oil

directions

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

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

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

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

Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or on high for 4–6 hours, until the beef is very tender and shreds easily.

Remove the bay leaves and shred the beef using two forks. Mix the shredded beef with the juices in the slow cooker.

Serve hot in tacos, burrito bowls, over rice, or with your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

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

Variations

Use brisket or beef cheek for a richer texture.
Add a touch of cinnamon or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Include chopped onions or jalapeños for more heat and flavor.
Try it with pork shoulder instead of beef for a pork barbacoa twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without searing the beef?
Yes, but searing adds more flavor and depth to the final dish.

Is it spicy?
It has a medium heat from the chipotle peppers. You can adjust the spice level by using fewer peppers.

What can I serve with barbacoa?
Tacos, burritos, rice bowls, nachos, or even scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Can I cook it in the Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for 60 minutes with a natural release.

What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo?
Use smoked paprika and a touch of hot sauce as a substitute.

Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, brisket or round roast also work well.

How do I prevent it from being too greasy?
Trim excess fat from the roast before cooking and skim fat off the top before serving.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, potatoes or carrots can be added in the last few hours of cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is a no-fuss, flavor-packed dish that transforms simple ingredients into a Mexican-inspired masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer, it’s a versatile recipe that fits any occasion. Rich, tender, and deeply spiced, this barbacoa is destined to become a regular in your slow-cooker rotation.