Go Back
Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe

Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe is tender, juicy and packed with smoky spicy flavor. It is perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls or meal prep.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican-Inspired
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 kg beef chuck roast
  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions
 

Prepare beef

  • Cut beef into large chunks and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Blend sauce

  • In a blender, mix chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, vinegar, cumin, oregano and lime juice.

Add beef to slow cooker

  • Place beef chunks into the slow cooker evenly.

Pour sauce

  • Pour blended chipotle sauce over the beef completely.

Add broth and bay leaves

  • Add beef broth and bay leaves for extra flavor.

Slow cook

  • Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours until beef is tender.

Shred beef

  • Remove beef and shred using two forks easily.

Mix back

  • Return shredded beef to slow cooker and mix with sauce.

Final simmer

  • Cook for 15 more minutes so meat absorbs all flavor.

Serve hot

  • Serve in tacos, bowls or wraps.

Notes

  • Use beef chuck for best tenderness
  • Add orange juice for sweetness
  • Make it less spicy by reducing chipotle
  • Use fresh lime juice for best flavor
  • Add smoked paprika for extra depth
  • Let it rest before shredding
  • Use leftovers for quesadillas
Keyword Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe