Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
8 hrs
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Total Time
8 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
8 people
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Calories
403 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef
Description
This recipe starts by cutting beef brisket into large cubes and searing them to develop brown crust and depth of flavor. The sauce for slow cooking is prepared by blending chipotle chilis in adobo sauce with beef broth, garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Pouring this into the slow cooker with the beef allows the meat to cook gently for 6-9 hours until very tender and shred-ready.
The chipotle and spices infuse smoky, earthy, and slightly tangy flavors throughout. The slow cooking process breaks down connective tissue producing soft, juicy shredded beef perfect for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches. The acidity from lime juice brightens the richness.
After cooking, shredding with forks and keeping warm lets flavors meld before serving. The recipe yields a robust barbacoa with balanced heat and complex seasoning.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs beef brisket or beef chuck roast will also work
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 - 4 chipotle chilis in adobo
- 1 1/4 cups beef broth
- 4 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 1/2 Tbsp cumin ground
- 1 Tbsp oregano dried
- 3/4 tsp salt then more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ground
- 1/4 tsp cloves ground
- 1/4 cup lime juice fresh
Instructions
- Cut the beef into large cubes. In a large skillet over medium high heat add the vegetable oil and sear the beef on each side. Transfer to your slow cooker.
- In a food processor add adobo chilis, beef broth, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, cloves, and lime juice. Pulse until blended and pour on top of the meat.
- Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 6 hours. Shred the meat with two forks and turn on warm.
Notes
- Sear beef cubes on all sides before slow cooking to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use either beef brisket or chuck roast based on availability; both provide good marbling for tenderness.
- Cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 6 hours until meat is very tender and shreddable.
- Shred meat using two forks after cooking and keep warm for best flavor integration.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 403 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 403kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 48g | 96% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 141mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 706mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 807mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 681IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 39mg | 4% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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