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Slow Cooker Barbacoa Recipe

Looking for a tasty Mexican meal that’s quick to make? **Slow Cooker Barbacoa** is perfect for busy families. It’s easy to prepare and makes a delicious dinner that everyone will enjoy. Imagine a dish that slow cooks all day, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas, and is ready with minimal effort.

Ingredients
  

  • #### **For the Barbacoa**
  • - 3 lbs beef chuck roast cut into large chunks
  • - 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
  • - 1/4 cup adobo sauce from the chipotle can
  • - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • - 4 cloves garlic minced
  • - 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • - 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • - 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves optional, for depth
  • - 1/2 cup beef broth
  • - 1 bay leaf
  • #### **For Serving**
  • - Warm corn or flour tortillas
  • - Chopped cilantro
  • - Diced onions
  • - Sliced avocado
  • - Crumbled queso fresco
  • - Lime wedges

Equipment

  • - Slow cooker (Crockpot)
  • - Cutting board & knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • - Measuring cups & spoons
  • - Forks (for shredding)

Method
 

  1. #### **Step 1: Prep the Beef**
  2. Trim excess fat from the beef and cut it into large chunks for even cooking.
  3. #### **Step 2: Make the Marinade**
  4. In a small bowl, mix chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and ground cloves.
  5. #### **Step 3: Slow Cook the Barbacoa**
  6. Place the beef chunks in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them.
  7. Add the beef broth and bay leaf, stirring gently to coat the beef.
  8. Cover and cook on **low for 8 hours** or **high for 4-5 hours**, until the beef is fall-apart tender.
  9. #### **Step 4: Shred & Serve**
  10. Remove the bay leaf and use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker.
  11. Stir the shredded beef into the juices, letting it soak up the flavors.
  12. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.