Tender Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is a flavorful and tender Mexican-inspired dish perfect for easy meals. Using simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can enjoy rich, melt-in-your-mouth beef with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the beef.
2. Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is very tender and easily shredded.
3. Step 3: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices.
4. Step 4: Serve the barbacoa beef warm in tacos, burritos, or over rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a chopped chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
• Use beef brisket or short ribs as an alternative for different textures and flavors.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover barbacoa beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the beef in a covered Dutch oven on low heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours until tender, or simmer on the stovetop similarly, but the slow cooker makes it easier and more hands-off.

What cuts of beef work best for barbacoa?

Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness when slow-cooked. You can also use brisket or short ribs for rich, flavorful results.

Tender Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews

A flavorful and tender Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef recipe that uses a blend of spices, garlic, and vinegar to create a rich, savory dish perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls. This easy slow cooker method ensures the beef is incredibly tender and infused with bold flavors.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef

• 3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks

Spices

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (optional)
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into large chunks to ensure even cooking in the slow cooker.
2. Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cloves, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly all over the beef chunks.
3. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the spiced beef chunks into the slow cooker. Add minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, and bay leaves around the meat.
4. Cook the Beef: Cover and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily shredded.
5. Shred the Meat: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard bay leaves. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat with juices. Add lime juice if desired for brightness.
6. Serve: Serve the barbacoa beef hot with tortillas, rice, or your favorite Mexican-inspired sides.

Notes

• You can use fresh lime juice to add a touch of acidity after cooking for enhanced flavor.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your heat preference by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Leftover barbacoa beef freezes well for up to 3 months.
• For a thicker sauce, remove the beef after cooking and reduce the liquid in a pan over medium heat before combining again.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Barbacoa, Barbacoa Beef Recipe, Slow Cooked Beef, Mexican Beef, Tender Beef Recipe