Hey y'all! If you want a recipe that's melt-in-your-mouth tender, bursting with bold flavor, and practically cooks itself, then you need to try this Crockpot Barbacoa Beef. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping—plus, the leftovers taste even better! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Barbacoa Beef
- Super easy—just toss everything in the slow cooker and go!
- Fall-apart tender beef packed with smoky, spicy flavors.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Versatile—use it in tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads.
- Dairy-free and gluten-free for many dietary needs.
Ingredients for Crockpot Barbacoa Beef
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle pepper can)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
How to Make Crockpot Barbacoa Beef
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels, trim off any excess fat, and cut into large, even pieces (about 3-inch cubes). This helps with even cooking and shredding later.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, diced onion, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and ground cloves. Blend until smooth and pour over the beef.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Barbacoa Beef
Place the beef chunks in the crockpot and pour the blended sauce over the top. Add the bay leaves. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-9 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
Remove the bay leaves. Shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro, then serve hot with your and your preferred fixings!
Notes for Crockpot Barbacoa Beef
- For an extra-rich sauce, sear the beef chunks in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker (see tips here).
- You can use beef brisket or short ribs instead of chuck roast for a different texture.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers based on your heat preference (learn more).
Crockpot Barbacoa Beef Variations
- Pork Barbacoa: Substitute pork shoulder for beef for a slightly sweeter, ultra-tender twist.
- Chicken Barbacoa: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs—reduce cook time to 5-6 hours on LOW.
- Spicy Barbacoa: Add a diced jalapeño or extra chipotle peppers for more heat.
Required Equipment for Crockpot Barbacoa Beef
- 6-quart slow cooker (crockpot)
- Blender or food processor
- Cutting board and chef’s knife
- Mixing bowls
- Serving utensils and forks for shredding
Storage Instructions for Crockpot Barbacoa Beef
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers or ziplock bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Crockpot Barbacoa Beef
- Serve in warm corn or flour tortillas with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for classic tacos.
- Build a burrito bowl with rice, beans, salsa, and guacamole.
- Try as a filling for quesadillas, nachos, or sandwiches.
- Top with pickled red onions or fresh slaw for extra zing.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Barbacoa Beef
- For even better flavor, marinate the beef in the sauce overnight before slow cooking (best marinade tips).
- If you like a richer sauce, reduce the leftover juices on the stovetop before mixing back into the shredded beef.
- Always shred the beef while it's still hot—it's much easier and soaks up the juices beautifully.
Crockpot Barbacoa Beef FAQ
- Is this Crockpot Barbacoa Beef recipe spicy?
- It has a mild to moderate heat from chipotle peppers. Adjust the number for your desired spice level.
- Can I prepare Crockpot Barbacoa Beef ahead of time?
- Yes! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. Perfect for meal prep or parties.
- What kind of beef is best for Barbacoa?
- Chuck roast is most common for its perfect balance of fat and tenderness, but brisket or short ribs work too.
For more on beef cuts or nutritional info, check out this resource on beef cuts.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
-
1Add beef chuck roast pieces to the bottom of the crockpot.
-
2In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, beef broth, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
-
3Pour the blended mixture evenly over the beef in the crockpot and add bay leaves.
-
4Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until beef is very tender and shreds easily.
-
5Remove bay leaves and shred the beef with two forks. Mix the shredded beef with the sauce before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!