Description
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa Tacos are tender chunks of beef chuck roast, slowly cooked in a flavorful, smoky, and spicy sauce made from chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, and other seasonings. The slow cooking process ensures that the beef becomes incredibly tender, making it perfect for shredding and stuffing into warm tortillas. These tacos are typically topped with a variety of garnishes, such as cilantro, diced onion, avocado, or cheese, to balance the richness of the beef. The result is a delicious, juicy taco that packs a punch of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Barbacoa:
3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tbsp olive oil
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (add more for extra heat)
1–2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but delicious)
2 bay leaves
½ tsp ground cloves (just a pinch adds depth)
1 cup beef broth
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
🌿 Taco Fixings (Optional but Recommended)
Warm corn or flour tortillas
Chopped cilantro
Diced red onion
Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
Fresh lime wedges
Sliced avocado or guacamole
Instructions
Sear the Beef (optional but recommended):
Season beef chunks with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Build the Flavor Base:
In the same skillet, add garlic and onion; cook until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
Stir in chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cloves.
Add tomato paste, stir, then pour in beef broth, vinegar, and lime juice. Bring to a quick simmer.
Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Pour the sauce mixture over the seared beef. Add bay leaves.
Cover and cook:
LOW for 8 hours (best for tender, flavorful meat)
or HIGH for 4–5 hours
Shred the Beef:
Remove beef and discard bay leaves.
Shred beef using two forks and return it to the sauce to soak up the juices.
Assemble Tacos:
Warm tortillas, spoon barbacoa into the center, and top with your favorite garnishes.
Finish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Notes
These Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa Tacos are bursting with rich, smoky flavor and tender, juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth. Serve them with fresh lime wedges, cilantro, and a side of Mexican rice for a fiesta-style meal everyone will rave about!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 430
Keywords: Beef Barbacoa Tacos, Slow Cooker Barbacoa, Barbacoa Beef Tacos, Slow Cooked Barbacoa Tacos