Description
Mouthwatering slow cooker barbacoa beef elevates Mexican-inspired cuisine with tender, spiced meat perfect for tacos and burritos. Slow-simmered chuck roast infused with chipotle peppers and aromatic spices promises a flavorful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3.4 lbs (1.5 kg) beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsps olive oil (for searing, optional)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsps smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cloves (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Searing: Heat skillet to medium-high and caramelize beef chunks, developing a golden-brown exterior that amplifies the meat’s deep, robust flavor profile.
- Seasoning Fusion: Blend chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, paprika, ground cloves, and salt into a harmonious marinade. Thoroughly massage this dynamic mixture into the beef, ensuring complete flavor penetration.
- Slow Cooking Transformation: Transfer seasoned beef to slow cooker, submerge in beef broth, and allow gradual tenderization. Select low temperature for 8-10 hours or high temperature for 4-6 hours until meat reaches meltingly tender consistency.
- Shredding and Infusion: Remove beef from cooking liquid, shred into delicate strands using two forks. Return shredded meat to its aromatic bath, permitting final flavor absorption for 15-20 minutes, creating a spectacularly seasoned protein.
- Serving Versatility: Present barbacoa nestled in warm tortillas, scattered over nachos, stuffed in quesadillas, or crowned atop burrito bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro to elevate the dish’s vibrancy and complexity.
Notes
- Sear for Maximum Flavor: Take extra time to brown beef chunks in a hot skillet before slow cooking. This crucial step locks in deep, complex flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior that elevates the entire dish.
- Adjust Spice Levels Strategically: Customize chipotle pepper quantity based on heat tolerance. Remove seeds from peppers to reduce intensity or add more for a fiery kick, ensuring the barbacoa matches personal spice preferences.
- Optimize Meat Tenderness: Choose chuck roast or beef brisket with good marbling for maximum succulence. Low and slow cooking breaks down tough connective tissues, transforming meat into melt-in-your-mouth perfection with minimal effort.
- Smart Storage and Meal Prep: Barbacoa freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months when stored in airtight containers. Portion leftovers for quick protein additions to salads, tacos, or grain bowls, making meal planning a breeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg