Tender Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
