Slow Cooker Barbacoa is a delicious and tender Mexican-inspired dish that features beef slow-cooked in savory spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy a flavorful, comfort-filled meal. With minimal effort and an aromatic blend of seasonings, you'll have a mouthwatering dinner ready in just a few hours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Barbacoa recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. The beef chuck roast is slow-cooked to perfection, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful. The combination of warm spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, the addition of fresh lime juice and cilantro before serving gives the dish a burst of freshness that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the beef. It's an ideal recipe for meal prepping, feeding a family, or serving at gatherings, as it requires minimal hands-on time and produces a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 ½ pounds boneless chuck roast (good quality)
- ½ cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced cilantro
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Sear the chuck roast on both sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and black pepper.
- Place the seared chuck roast in a slow cooker and rub the seasoning mix evenly on all sides.
- Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Once the beef is cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to absorb the flavorful juices.
- Before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the shredded beef and garnish with freshly minced cilantro.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Add Chipotle for a Smokier Flavor: Add a couple of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Make it Spicy: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with mushrooms or jackfruit for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to throw in diced onions, bell peppers, or carrots for added texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the barbacoa to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the barbacoa for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring it’s tightly sealed.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the barbacoa in a pot on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
How can I make barbacoa spicier?
To make the barbacoa spicier, increase the amount of chili powder or add some cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like brisket or round roast, but chuck roast is ideal because it becomes very tender when slow-cooked.
How do I know when the beef is done?
The beef is done when it is fork-tender and easily shreds. You should be able to pull the beef apart easily with a fork.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook the barbacoa on high for about 4-5 hours, but low and slow is recommended for the most tender results.
Can I use bone-in chuck roast?
You can use bone-in chuck roast, but be sure to remove the bones before shredding the beef.
What can I serve barbacoa with?
Barbacoa is delicious served in tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. You can also serve it with tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
Can I make barbacoa in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 60-75 minutes and allow the pressure to release naturally for the best results.
Can I use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup?
Yes, using a slow cooker liner is a great way to make cleanup much easier after cooking.
How do I get the best sear on the chuck roast?
To achieve the best sear, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the meat, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until it’s nicely browned.
Can I adjust the seasonings to suit my taste?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more paprika, or if you prefer more heat, increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Barbacoa is a flavorful and simple dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its tender beef and aromatic seasonings make it a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, or bowls. With minimal preparation and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this recipe is a winner for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals with minimal effort. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or serving a crowd, this barbacoa recipe will be a hit.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Barbacoa is a mouthwatering, tender Mexican-inspired dish made with beef chuck roast slow-cooked in savory spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, this recipe delivers rich, aromatic flavors with minimal effort. Packed with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and fresh lime, this comforting meal is ideal for meal prep, family dinners, and gatherings. Prepare this easy barbacoa recipe in just a few hours using your slow cooker!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 ½ pounds boneless chuck roast (good quality)
- ½ cup low sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced cilantro
Instructions
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Sear the chuck roast on both sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and black pepper.
- Place the seared chuck roast into the slow cooker and rub the seasoning mix evenly over all sides.
- Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Once the beef is cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker to absorb the flavorful juices.
- Before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the shredded beef and garnish with freshly minced cilantro.
Notes
- Add chipotle peppers for a smokier flavor.
- For a spicy kick, increase chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian option: Swap beef for mushrooms or jackfruit.
- Add diced veggies like onions or bell peppers for added texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
