Easy Barbacoa Recipe | Perfect for Tacos, Burritos, Bowls, and Salads!

This easy slow cooker barbacoa recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings.

The beef chuck roast becomes incredibly tender and juicy, infused with the bold smoky flavors of chipotle peppers and Mexican spices.

It’s a versatile dish that can be used in tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, and so much more.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs beef chuck roast
• 1 onion, diced
• 3-4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• ½ tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¾ cup beef stock
• 3 bay leaves
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for garnish

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 8-9 hours (low heat) / 4-5 hours (high heat)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-9 hours (low heat) / 4-5 hours (high heat)
• Servings: 6-8

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks, about 3 inches wide.

Add the beef chunks to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Spices

Add the diced onion to the slow cooker.

Add the finely diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Add the minced garlic.

Add the fresh lime juice.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add the apple cider vinegar.

Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, cracked black pepper, and ground cloves.

Add the beef stock.

Mix everything together in the slow cooker.

Press the bay leaves down into the liquid.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Barbacoa

Add the lid to the slow cooker.

Cook for 8-9 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat.

Step 5: Shred the Barbacoa

Remove the barbacoa to a cutting board and shred with two forks.

If the meat isn’t falling apart, place it back in the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes or more.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaves from the liquid.

Place the shredded barbacoa back in the slow cooker.

Keep the slow cooker on the warm setting.

Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Step 7: Optional Serving Suggestions – Barbacoa Tacos

Place the barbacoa on tortillas.

Add avocado or guacamole, diced onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Optional: Add a dollop of sour cream.

Step 8: Optional Serving Suggestions – Barbacoa Burrito Bowls

Add cilantro lime rice to a bowl.

Add a portion of shredded barbacoa.

Add black beans, cooked corn, and diced tomatoes.

Optional: Add pico de gallo, salsa, avocado, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.