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Tender Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa Tacos

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A flavorful and tender slow cooker beef barbacoa recipe perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The beef is slow-cooked with smoky chipotle peppers and spices, then shredded and served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Corn tortillas, for serving
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced onion, sliced radishes, crumbled queso fresco, salsa

Instructions

  1. Trim any large fat chunks from the beef chuck roast and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the roast on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side, until a rich dark crust forms.
  3. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped onion, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cloves, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a smoky, spicy paste.
  5. Pour beef broth over the beef in the slow cooker. Spoon the chipotle mixture evenly on top and add bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  6. Remove beef from slow cooker and shred finely using two forks. Discard any large fat pieces and bay leaves.
  7. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir into the juices. Let soak for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and lime juice if needed.
  8. Warm corn tortillas on a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven.
  9. Serve shredded beef in warm tortillas with optional toppings like cilantro, diced onion, radishes, queso fresco, and salsa.

Notes

Do not skip browning the beef as it adds rich flavor. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain temperature. Shred beef while warm for easier shredding. Soak shredded beef in juices for juiciness. Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them pliable.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef barbacoa, slow cooker tacos, chipotle beef, easy dinner, shredded beef tacos, Mexican tacos, slow cooker recipes

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/tender-slow-cooker-beef-barbacoa-tacos-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/