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Chipotle Beef Barbacoa (Slow Cooker)

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This Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Barbacoa is tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced with chipotle peppers, garlic, and a blend of Mexican seasonings. Ideal for tacos, burritos, bowls, or meal prep.

Ingredients

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  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
  • 3–4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing, optional)
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Optional: Sear beef chunks in a hot skillet with oil until browned on all sides to add depth of flavor. Transfer to slow cooker.
  2. In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, cumin, oregano, ground cloves, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Shred the beef with two forks directly in the slow cooker and mix with the sauce.
  6. Serve in tacos, burrito bowls, or over rice, garnished with cilantro and lime if desired.

Notes

  • For spicier barbacoa, add more chipotle peppers.
  • Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day.
  • This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easy-tapas-recipes.com/chipotle-beef-barbacoa-slow-cooker/