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Shredded beef barbacoa with rice and lime wedges in a white bowl with a silver fork.

Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa

This delicious crockpot beef barbacoa recipe is easy to pull together and makes the most succulent and flavorful meal!
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Emily Wilson

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds chuck roast cut into 3 inch chunks
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 chipotle chilis in adobo
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 white onion sliced

Instructions

  • Pat the beef chunks dry with a paper towel and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    Beef chunks topped with salt and pepper on a black cutting board.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Once hot, brown the chunks of chuck roast on each side for just a few minutes.
    Chunks of beef being browned in a large cast iron pan.
  • Combine the chipotle chilis, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, garlic cloves, cumin, oregano, thyme, and cloves in a blender. Blend for a minute or until the mixture is smooth.
    Barbacoa sauce blended in a food processor.
  • Add the pieces of chuck to a slow cooker and pour the sauce on top. Toss the chuck to coat each piece in the sauce. Add the bay leaves and onions to the slow cooker.
    Beef, barbacoa sauce, bay leaves, and sliced onions in a slow cooker.
  • Set the slow cooker for 7 to 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. Using tongs or forks, break the meat into smaller pieces before servings.
    Beef barbacoa with sliced onions in a slow cooker.

Notes

Storage - leftovers can be saved for up to 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Freeze - for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container. Allow to defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 962mg | Potassium: 818mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 57IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 6mg