Perfectly Seasoned Beef Barbacoa for Tacos or Bowls

Savor Perfectly Seasoned Beef Barbacoa, a tender, flavorful dish with slow-cooked beef, smoky chipotle, and warm spices. Ideal for tacos or bowls, this crockpot meal delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Seasoned Beef Barbacoa for Tacos or Bowls is a mouthwatering, versatile dish that transforms beef into a tender, smoky masterpiece with chipotle and spices, ideal for vibrant tacos or hearty bowls. This budget-friendly, slow-cooker recipe is a breeze, requiring minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor. Its adaptability suits various diets, making it a family favorite. Packed with protein and bold Mexican-inspired taste, it pairs beautifully with tortillas, rice, or veggies, offering a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s as delicious as it is effortless to prepare.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Brown Beef First: Sear beef for richer flavor and better texture before slow cooking.
• Use a Liner: Place a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Blend Sauce Smoothly: Puree chipotle and spices with broth for even flavor distribution.
• Shred Beef Easily: Use two forks to shred beef after cooking for tender, pull-apart texture.
• Adjust Spice Level: Taste and modify chipotle or chili powder for desired heat.
• Skim Fat: Remove excess fat from the surface after cooking for a cleaner dish.

Yield: 8 Servings

Perfectly Seasoned Beef Barbacoa for Tacos or Bowls

Print

Perfectly Seasoned Beef Barbacoa, a tender, smoky dish for tacos or bowls, ideal for flavorful dinners.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 lbs beef chuck roast
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional garnish: extra cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prep Beef: Season beef chuck roast with salt and pepper for a flavorful foundation.
2. Brown Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high; sear beef for 5-7 minutes until browned, then transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.
3. Blend Sauce: In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, lime juice, and ½ cup broth; blend until smooth.
4. Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, sauté onion for 4-5 minutes until soft; add to the slow cooker.
5. Add Sauce: Pour blended chipotle mixture and remaining broth over beef and onions; stir gently.
6. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until beef is tender.
7. Shred Beef: Remove beef, shred with two forks, and return to the slow cooker; mix with sauce.
8. Check Consistency: Stir and add more broth if too thick or simmer briefly if too thin.
9. Add Cilantro: Stir in chopped cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish.
10. Serve with Flair: Spoon into tacos or bowls, garnish with cilantro and lime wedges, and enjoy this smoky delight!

Notes

• Browning beef enhances flavor but can be skipped; raw beef will cook through in the slow cooker.
• Adjust chipotle peppers to control spice; one pepper reduces heat significantly.
• Leftovers are perfect for tacos, nachos, or salads for quick meals.
• Serve with tortillas, rice, avocado, or pickled onions for a complete dinner.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 288Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 94mgSodium 324mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 29g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

• Beef: Chuck roast offers rich, shreddable texture; brisket is a flavorful alternative.
• Chipotle Peppers: Canned chipotle in adobo adds smoky heat; adjust for spice preference.
• Onion: Yellow onion provides savory depth; red onion offers a milder flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances aroma; garlic powder is a quick substitute.
• Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth controls saltiness; chicken broth can substitute.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds bright tang; bottled juice works in a pinch.
• Cumin: Ground cumin brings warm, earthy flavor; coriander can complement it.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant finish; parsley substitutes for milder taste.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Use pork shoulder or jackfruit for a vegetarian version; adjust cooking time.
• Spice Alternatives: Swap chipotle for smoked paprika or chili powder for milder flavor.
• Veggie Add-Ins: Include bell peppers or tomatoes in the slow cooker for extra depth.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth and chipotle are gluten-free certified.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt for a lighter dish.
• Serving Options: Serve in tacos, bowls, burritos, or over cauliflower rice for low-carb.
• Herb Variations: Swap cilantro for oregano or green onions for different flavor profiles.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Freezer: Freeze shredded beef and sauce for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm with a splash of broth to maintain moisture; stir well.
• Meal Prep: Portion with rice or tortillas for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Dish Gallery

Please share this Perfectly Seasoned Beef Barbacoa for Tacos or Bowls with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.

We will meet you on next article.

Until you can read, One-Pot Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff