Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Beef Barbacoa is a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dish that requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. With a hearty beef chuck roast simmered in flavorful spices, chipotles in adobo, and beef bone broth, this recipe delivers the perfect combination of tender meat and zesty seasoning. Ideal for tacos, burritos, or served over rice, this dish is easy to make and makes the best leftovers!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
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2-3 lb boneless beef chuck roast
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1 tbsp kosher salt
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp garlic powder
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2 tbsp avocado oil
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2 cups low-sodium beef bone broth
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2 chipotles in adobo, minced
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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2 tbsp fresh lime juice
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1 small white onion, chopped
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 bay leaves
To Serve:
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Tortillas
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Diced onion
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Diced avocado
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Chopped cilantro
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Dry the chuck roast with paper towels, cut into 2-3 pieces, and season with salt, oregano, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
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In the crockpot, heat avocado oil (using the sauté function if available) and brown the beef on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.
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Add beef broth, chipotles, tomato paste, lime juice, onion, garlic, and bay leaves to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
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Nestle the beef into the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the beef is tender.
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Shred the beef with two forks and return it to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
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Serve in tortillas with toppings like minced onion, avocado, and cilantro, or over rice.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 6-8 hours
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Total time: 6-8 hours
Variations
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Substitute Beef Brisket: You can use beef brisket instead of chuck roast for a slightly different texture.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotles or chili powder to control the heat.
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Serve Over Rice: If you prefer a lighter option, serve the barbacoa over rice instead of tortillas.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes, you can substitute brisket or other tough cuts of beef for the chuck roast.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a mild to medium heat due to the chipotles in adobo, but you can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the amount.
Can I make this without a crockpot?
Yes, you can use a Dutch oven or slow-cook it in the oven on low heat for 3-4 hours.
What toppings go best with this barbacoa?
Toppings like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and minced onions complement the flavors perfectly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this barbacoa freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
How long does this recipe take to cook?
It takes 6-8 hours on low in the crockpot for the beef to become tender and flavorful.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add peppers, corn, or other veggies for added texture and flavor.
What kind of tortillas should I use?
Use your favorite tortillas, such as gluten-free or almond flour, or traditional flour or corn tortillas.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it makes great leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free if you serve it with gluten-free tortillas.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Beef Barbacoa is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or serving over rice. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
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Crockpot Beef Barbacoa
- Total Time: 6-8 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Beef Barbacoa is a delicious and easy-to-make dish, featuring tender beef chuck roast simmered in bold spices, chipotles in adobo, and beef bone broth. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or over rice, this recipe requires minimal prep and is full of flavor. With a hands-off cooking method, it’s great for busy weeknights and meal prep. Enjoy a zesty, melt-in-your-mouth beef barbacoa that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
2–3 lb boneless beef chuck roast
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 cups low-sodium beef bone broth
2 chipotles in adobo, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 small white onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 bay leaves
To Serve:
Tortillas
Diced onion
Diced avocado
Chopped cilantro
Instructions
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Dry the chuck roast with paper towels, cut it into 2-3 pieces, and season with salt, oregano, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
-
In the crockpot, heat avocado oil (using the sauté function if available) and brown the beef on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.
-
Add beef broth, chipotles, tomato paste, lime juice, onion, garlic, and bay leaves to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
-
Nestle the beef into the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the beef is tender.
-
Shred the beef with two forks and return it to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
-
Serve in tortillas with toppings like minced onion, avocado, and cilantro, or over rice.
Notes
Substitute Beef Brisket: You can use beef brisket for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotles or chili powder to make it more or less spicy, depending on your preference.
Serve Over Rice: If you prefer a lighter option, try serving the barbacoa over rice instead of tortillas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
