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Tender Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa Tacos

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A simple and flavorful slow cooker beef barbacoa recipe that delivers tender, smoky, and juicy taco filling with authentic Mexican flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights and taco nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Corn or flour tortillas for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the beef chuck roast and trim any excessive fat, leaving some marbling. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  2. In a bowl, combine chopped chipotle peppers, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and sliced onion.
  3. Place the seasoned beef roast in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef. Add bay leaves on top. Cover and set to low heat.
  4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beef is tender and shreddable. Alternatively, cook on high for 4-5 hours if short on time.
  5. Remove the beef and shred it finely using two forks. Discard the bay leaves.
  6. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the juices. Add fresh lime juice and let it sit on warm for a few minutes.
  7. Warm the tortillas on a skillet or microwave. Prepare desired toppings such as diced onions, cilantro, sliced radishes, or crema.
  8. Spoon the barbacoa beef onto warm tortillas, add toppings, and serve immediately.

Notes

If the beef seems dry after shredding, stir in a splash of beef broth or reserved cooking liquid to keep it juicy. Letting the shredded beef sit in the juices for 15-20 minutes enhances flavor. Adjust chipotle peppers to control spice level. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. Can be made in an Instant Pot using pressure cooker setting for 60-70 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef barbacoa, beef barbacoa tacos, easy barbacoa recipe, Mexican tacos, slow cooked beef, chipotle beef tacos

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