Description
Tender, slow-cooked beef barbacoa infused with smoky chipotle chilies, garlic, cumin, lime, and aromatic spices. The beef chuck roast becomes incredibly tender and flavorful after slow cooking, making it perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 1.4 kg beef chuck roast
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cloves
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup beef broth
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Generously season the beef chuck roast with salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, paprika, and ground cloves, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Sear the Beef (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned to develop deeper flavor, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but recommended.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared beef on top of the onions.
- Prepare Sauce: In a blender or bowl, combine beef broth, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. Blend or whisk until smooth.
- Cook the Barbacoa: Pour the sauce evenly over the beef in the slow cooker, then add the bay leaves. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaves.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker juices and stir to combine thoroughly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm in tacos, burrito bowls, or salads.
Notes
- Beef chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers depending on your preferred spice level.
- Serve with warm corn tortillas, sliced avocado, pickled onions, or fresh lime wedges for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
