Print

Tender Beef Barbacoa Slow Cooker Recipe Easy for Perfect Tacos

tender beef barbacoa slow cooker recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple and satisfying slow cooker beef barbacoa recipe that yields tender, flavorful meat perfect for tacos. Made with pantry staples and slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 2–3 dried chipotle chilies, seeds removed
  • 2–3 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Corn or flour tortillas for serving

Instructions

  1. Remove stems and seeds from chipotle and guajillo chilies. Soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes until softened.
  2. Drain the chilies, then combine them in a blender with chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, white vinegar, cumin, oregano, cloves, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and thick, about 1-2 minutes. Add a splash more broth if needed to help blending but keep it thick.
  3. Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chuck roast dry and sear each side until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Place the seared chuck roast in the slow cooker. Pour the chili sauce over the top, making sure the beef is mostly covered. Add bay leaves.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours until beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  6. Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard excess fat and bay leaves.
  7. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker juices and stir in fresh lime juice.
  8. Warm tortillas and serve topped with the tender beef barbacoa and your favorite toppings like chopped onion, cilantro, avocado, or extra lime.

Notes

Searing the beef before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. Soaking dried chilies is key for a smooth sauce. If sauce is too thin after cooking, reduce it on stovetop before adding shredded beef back. Adjust salt and vinegar to taste before cooking. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. Can substitute chipotle chili powder if short on time.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef barbacoa, slow cooker barbacoa, barbacoa tacos, slow cooker beef, tender beef, Mexican tacos, easy taco recipe

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/tender-beef-barbacoa-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-for-perfect-tacos/