Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Recipe

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is a savory, tender, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a variety of meals. Made with boneless chuck roast and a combination of bold seasonings, this beef barbacoa has a rich, smoky flavor that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or even on its own with rice. The slow cooking process helps to tenderize the meat, making it fall apart with ease while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the spices and broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort, and the leftovers are just as amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tender and Juicy: The slow cooking process ensures that the chuck roast becomes incredibly tender and juicy, shredding effortlessly.
2. Flavorful: The combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and lime creates a deep, zesty flavor that enhances the beef beautifully.
3. Versatile: Serve this barbacoa beef in tacos, burritos, over rice, or even on a salad—it’s perfect for any meal!
4. Minimal Prep: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for leftovers or to use in meal prep for the week.

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Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• 3 1/2 pounds boneless chuck roast (good quality)
• Low sodium beef broth
• Kosher salt
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lime
• Freshly minced cilantro

Variations

• Spicy Barbacoa: Add a couple of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker for an extra spicy kick.
• Smokier Flavor: Increase the paprika or use smoked paprika for an extra smoky taste.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, substitute the beef with jackfruit or mushrooms for a similar texture and flavor.
• Herb Add-ins: Add a few sprigs of fresh oregano or thyme to the slow cooker for a slightly different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chuck roast on all sides until it’s browned. This step adds a lot of flavor, so don’t skip it!

Step 2

Transfer the seared chuck roast into the slow cooker. Pour the low sodium beef broth around the roast.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture generously over the chuck roast, covering it evenly.

Step 4

Squeeze the lime over the roast and add the lime halves into the slow cooker for extra flavor.

Step 5

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 6

Once the beef is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir it in the juices.

Step 7

Finish by stirring in the freshly minced cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Searing the Meat: Searing the chuck roast before slow cooking helps to lock in flavor and create a nice crust on the meat.
• Don’t Rush: Low and slow is the key. Make sure to cook the meat on low for the full 8 hours for maximum tenderness.
• Use Quality Beef: The better the quality of the beef, the more tender and flavorful your barbacoa will be.
• Use the Juices: After shredding, mix the beef with the juices in the slow cooker to ensure maximum flavor.
• For a Zesty Kick: Add extra lime juice or a splash of vinegar at the end of cooking for a fresh, tangy flavor.

How to Serve

Barbacoa beef is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Tacos: Serve the barbacoa in soft corn or flour tortillas with your favorite toppings like diced onions, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
• Burritos: Add the shredded beef to a large tortilla along with rice, beans, guacamole, and cheese for a hearty burrito.
• Bowl: Serve over a bed of rice with black beans, corn, avocado, and a drizzle of sour cream.
• Salad: Make a fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a scoop of barbacoa beef on top for a lighter meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover barbacoa beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can use it in a variety of meals throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the leftover barbacoa beef for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

Reheating

Reheat the barbacoa beef in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of beef broth to keep it moist. You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low for about an hour.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the chuck roast with a different cut of beef, such as brisket or short ribs. However, chuck roast is ideal because it’s well-marbled, making it perfect for slow cooking.

2. How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe is moderately spicy due to the chili powder. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or omit the black pepper. To make it spicier, add some chipotle peppers or cayenne pepper.

3. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 4-5 hours. However, cooking on low results in a more tender and juicy beef.

4. Can I use beef broth instead of water for the slow cooker?

Yes, you can use beef broth in place of water to add more flavor to the beef during cooking.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. It will only get more flavorful as it sits in the juices.

6. Can I make this barbacoa with pork instead of beef?

Yes, pork shoulder or pork butt works well in this recipe for a different take on barbacoa.

7. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef?

Yes, you can add vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or carrots to the slow cooker. They’ll absorb the flavors of the barbacoa.

8. Can I serve this with other sauces?

Yes, this barbacoa beef pairs well with a variety of sauces, including salsa verde, sour cream, or a tangy crema.

9. How do I know when the beef is done?

The beef is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds. You should be able to pull it apart without much resistance.

10. Can I make this without the lime?

The lime adds a nice tang to balance the rich flavors of the beef, but if you don’t have it, the recipe will still be delicious.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is a flavorful, tender, and incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re serving it in tacos, burritos, or on a salad, this recipe is sure to impress. The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb all the delicious seasonings, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came from a Mexican restaurant, right at home!

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