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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Beef

    Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa

    Published: Nov 11, 2021 by Dannii · This post may contain affiliate links · 11 Comments

    68 shares
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    Jump to Recipe
    Diet: Gluten Free / Low Carb
    Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa with a text title overlay.

    This Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is incredible! It's melt in your mouth tender beef in a chipotle and lime sauce. Cooked low and slow, the beef just falls apart and it's perfect to put in tacos and burrito bowls or even loaded on nachos. It is so simple to make, but bursting with flavour.

    Four shredded beef barbacoa tacos topped with tomatoes and herbs.

    This slow cooker beef barbacoa is spicy and comforting, but also light and fresh. It really has everything. It takes a little bit of prep to get the best flavour from the beef, but then you just put it all in the slow cooker and let it cook away. You end up with the most incredible tender and juicy beef that just pulls apart. No dry or chewy beef here!

    The flavours in this slow cooker dish are simple, with just 8 ingredients added to the beef. But the chipotle and lime mixed with plenty of garlic, cumin and oregano cook together in a beef broth which coats the chunks of beef for a huge burst of flavour in every mouthful. This is the kind of shredded beef you get in Mexican restaurants, but SO easy to make yourself.

    If you are looking for other Mexican recipes to try, then why not try our Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas, Chicken Quesadillas, Salmon Tacos or Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken.

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love it
    • Ingredients needed
    • Step by step
    • Health benefits of beef
    • What is the best beef to use?
    • How to serve beef barbacoa
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Extra tips
    • More slow cooker beef recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why you will love it

    • Fall apart beef - You seriously have to try just how good this beef is. Cooked low and slow it just melts in your mouth. It's the best way to cook beef.
    • Easy - We definitely recommend browning the beef before it goes in the slow cooker, but this is a minimal effort dish.
    • Versatile - We make a big batch of this as there is so many different ways to use it. Tacos, burritos or served on rice. We have lots of suggestions below.
    • Freezes well - This is a great batch cook meal, because it freezes so well.

    Ingredients needed

    All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.
    • Braising steak - Slow cookers are great for making budget friendly meals, because you can use cheaper cuts of meat. Cooking low and slow will get cheaper cuts really tender and still full of flavour. So we used braising steak for this recipe.
    • Garlic - Freshly crushed is best, but you could use frozen, or ready crushed in a tube.
    • Chipotle paste - This is where the spicy and smokiness comes from. If you don't like a lot of spice, then you can use less. Equally, if you like it really spicy, then you can add more.
    • Lime - A squeeze of lime adds a lovely freshness to the best.
    • Oil - We browned the beef in a good quality olive oil.
    • Stock - This is what makes up most of the sauce. Use a really good quality beef stock pot as you will taste the difference. If you are making this for young children, then use a low salt stock.
    • Spices - Along with salt and pepper, we added some cumin and oregano for some Mexican flavours.

    A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

    Step by step

    One: Heat the oil in a large pan. Cut the beef into chunks and add to the pan. Brown on all sides (about 5 minutes).

    Large chunks of beef browning in a frying pan.

    Two: Combine the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.

    Two shot collage of barbacoa marinade in a bowl, before and after mixing.

    Three: Pour the sauce over the beef. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours.

    Two shot collage of browned beef in a slow cooker bowl, then with barbacoa marinade poured over.

    Health benefits of beef

    Beef can definitely play an important role in a balanced diet and using lean cuts is key for this. It can provide a lean source of protein, iron and eight essential vitamins and minerals. Beef is a significant provider of protein and is naturally low in sodium and contributes towards good health and wellbeing.

    To make a lighter version of this slow cooker pulled beef, make sure to trim all the visible fat off the beef.

    What is the best beef to use?

    Chuck roast is definitely the best cut of meat to use for pulled beef. In the UK, this cut is referred to as braising steak. Similar to the shoulder of pork, chuck/braising steak contains a good amount of fat and marbling, making it perfect for shredding. We cut ours in to chunks for adding to the slow cooker.

    When it comes to slow cooker beef barbacoa, there is no need for an expensive joint of meat. You can get away with using a cheap cut, as cooking it low and slow makes it really fall apart and melt in your mouth.

    You could also use skirt, rump roast or brisket. Cooking times may vary though.

    Shredded beef in a slow cooker with a set of tongs.

    How to serve beef barbacoa

    This Slow Cooked beef barbacoa goes in so many things. Our favourite way to serve it is in shredded beef tacos. Here are just a few ideas of how to use it:

    • Tacos
    • Enchilladas
    • Burritos
    • Pizza topping
    • On tagilatelle or udon noodles
    • Fajitas
    • Sandwiches
    • Burrito bowl
    • Nacho topping
    • In a burger bun with coleslaw
    • On rice or mashed potato
    A row of shredded beef tacos on a wooden serving board.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long do you cook slow cooker beef barbacoa for?

    We recommend cooking it on low for 7-8 hours. However you can cook it in your slow cooker on high for 3-4 hours. It will depend on your slow cooker and the size of the chunks of beef too. If your beef isn't falling apart then it isn't tender enough and it needs some extra time.

    How to store slow cooker beef barbacoa.

    It will also keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, but it might start to get a bit dry.

    Can you freeze slow cooker beef barbacoa?

    Yes, this freezes really well. You can portion it out and it will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months.

    How to reheat slow cooker beef barbacoa.

    The best way to reheat this is in a pan with a little oil. It will only takes a couple of minutes.

    What slow cooker to use

    There really is no rule here, just make sure that the beef you are using can fit in your slow cooker. We use a Crock Pot DuraCeramic Slow Cooker and we love it. What I love most about it is that you can put the bowl insert on the hob too, meaning you can brown meat, sauté vegetables or thicken gravy in it. I also love that it has a clear lid, as I am so impatient that I want to keep looking and seeing what it is doing. If you don't have a clear lid, then lifting it to see will release lots of the heat and add to the cooking time.

    Do you have to sear the meat first?

    You don't have to, but if you have the time then it adds such a depth of flavour. Basically, you want to trigger the Maillard reaction. It is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavour. You don't have to though, and you can just throw everything in to the slow cooker and leave it if you are really short on time.

    Can you prepare slow cooker beef barbacoa in advance?

    Yes, you can do some of the prep in advance. You can sear the meat and add it to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients and then allow it to cool fully and then put it in the fridge (in your slow cooker pot) for up to 24 hours. You can then put it on the next day, but it might take longer to cook from chilled.

    Is slow cooker beef barbacoa gluten free?

    This can easily be gluten free. Just make sure that the stock is gluten free and that there is no cross contamination.

    Can this recipe be doubled?

    Yes, you can easily double the recipe and it won't change the cooking time. Just make sure you have a frying pan big enough to brown double the beef, or do it in batches and a slow cooker big enough for double all of the ingredients.

    heart icon

    Extra tips

    • Slow cookers all cook things at different rates. You want to make sure that you don't overcook your beef as it will dry out. The beef is cooked when it easily shreds with a fork.
    • If you like your food with a real kick of heat, add some extra red chilli flakes.
    • If there is a lot of juice in your slow cooker after you take the beef out to shred, then you might want to remove some of the mixture before putting the shredded meat back in.
    • For something different, but really easy, mix the beef with BBQ sauce rather than the stock.

    More slow cooker beef recipes

    • Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
    • Slow Cooker Beef Goulash
    • Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff
    • The BEST Slow Cooker Beef Casserole

    If you’ve tried this beef barbacoa recipe, then let us know how you got on in the comments below.
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Recipe

    Beef Barbacoa in soft tacos.

    Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa

    This Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is incredible! Cooked low and slow, it's perfect for tacos, burritos or loaded on nachos.
    A circular logo saying GF.
    Gluten Free
    The words low carb in a white circle.
    Low Carb
    4.89 from 18 votes
    Author: Dannii
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Caribbean
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
    Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
    Allergens:
    An illustration of a cow's head.
    Meat
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 232kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    UK Metric Measures - US Customary Measures
    • 800 g Braising steak (chuck roast)
    • 2 tablespoon Olive oil
    • 150 ml Beef stock
    • 3 Garlic clove - crushed
    • 1 Lime - juice only
    • 2 tablespoon Chipotle en adobo
    • 1 teaspoon Sea salt
    • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
    • 0.5 teaspoon Cumin

    Instructions

    • Heat the oil in a large pan. Cut the beef into chunks and add to the pan. Brown on all sides (about 5 minutes).
    • Combine the rest of the ingredients in a bowl.
    • Pour the sauce over the beef. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 8 hours.

    Notes

    • Slow cookers all cook things at different rates. You want to make sure that you don't overcook your beef as it will dry out. The beef is cooked when it easily shreds with a fork.
    • If you like your food with a real kick of heat, add some extra red chilli flakes.
    • If there is a lot of juice in your slow cooker after you take the beef out to shred, then you might want to remove some of the mixture before putting the shredded meat back in.
    • For something different, but really easy, mix the beef with BBQ sauce rather than the stock.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1portion | Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 449mg | Potassium: 397mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 3mg
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Savita

      November 17, 2021 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so juicy and delicious. Can't wait to try it out.

      Reply
    2. Gina

      November 17, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect recipe for delicious taco meat! Love when the slow cooker does all the work for me.

      Reply
    3. Katherine

      November 17, 2021 at 11:13 am

      5 stars
      I love chipotle flavors. Such a good idea to slow cook the beef to get it so tender.

      Reply
    4. Joaquin

      November 17, 2021 at 10:49 am

      5 stars
      What a great recipe! It looks so juicy and tasty! I can't wait to put my slow cooker to good use!

      Reply
    5. Claudia Lamascolo

      November 17, 2021 at 10:15 am

      5 stars
      This dish sounds so delicious we just love comfort foods this is a must-make on my list!

      Reply
    6. Kristen Wood

      November 17, 2021 at 7:58 am

      5 stars
      Pinned to make for family this weekend! Thank you!!

      Reply
    7. Toni

      November 16, 2021 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      This quickly became a favorite favorite at my house! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    8. Tavo

      November 16, 2021 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      I made this barbacoa for my friends over the weekend and everyone loved it! Thanks for another great recipe!

      Reply
    9. Natalie

      November 16, 2021 at 4:24 pm

      5 stars
      I'm going to make this for my boys this weekend. Looks delicious and super easy to make. A simple recipe that tastes delicious. Love it!

      Reply
    10. Lindsay

      November 16, 2021 at 3:49 pm

      5 stars
      We just got a share of a cow, so I've been looking for ideas for the roast, that are different from the usual things. this is going to be perfect! Adding to the list!

      Reply
    11. Pam

      November 16, 2021 at 3:11 pm

      5 stars
      I love using my slow cooker at this time of year and this is a great recipe to last all week for easy meals!

      Reply

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    My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.
    Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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