Irresistibly Juicy Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa for Tacos
This Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa for Tacos is a rich, flavorful dish that will transform your taco nights into a culinary delight.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- skillet
- Blender
Ingredients
For the Meat
- 3-3.5 lb Chuck Roast well-marbled pieces yield tender results
For the Sauce
- 4 large Dried Guajillo Chiles adds tangy sweetness
- 2 peppers Chipotle Peppers in Adobo provides smoky heat
- ⅓ cup Fresh Lime Juice brightens flavors
- 2 Tbsp Apple-Cider Vinegar introduces a tangy element
- 1 cup Beef Broth choose low-sodium
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste rounds out the sauce
- ¼ tsp Ground Cinnamon adds warmth
- ⅛ tsp Ground Cloves adds subtle depth
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano provides earthy notes
- 2 units Bay Leaves remove before serving
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt essential for flavor enhancement
- 1 tsp Pepper essential for flavor enhancement
Optional Ingredients
- Ground cumin for earthy notes
- Smoked paprika adds aroma and smokiness
- Star anise pod for a unique hint of licorice
Instructions
Steps to Prepare
- Toast the dried guajillo chiles in a skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes until fragrant. Soak them in boiling water for 15 minutes to soften, then drain and keep the soaking liquid aside.
- Blend the soaked chiles with chipotle peppers, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, spices, and the reserved soaking liquid. Blend until smooth and set aside.
- Pat the chuck roast dry with paper towels. Sear it in a hot skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat until it's caramelized on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
- Place the seared roast into your slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over the meat and add the blended chile sauce. Submerge bay leaves and cover the cooker.
- Set your slow cooker to LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep the heat inside.
- After cooking, carefully transfer the roast to a baking sheet. Shred the beef with two forks and return the shredded meat to the slow cooker to soak up the flavorful sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For added texture, you can sear the shredded meat in a hot skillet for a few minutes until crispy. Serve it in warm tortillas alongside toppings like diced onion, cilantro, and a wedge of lime.
Notes
Optional: Add diced avocado or crumbled queso fresco for a fresh finish.