Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
slow cooker beef barbacoa tacos - featured image

Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa Tacos

  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 6 hours 12 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A tender, flavorful slow cooker beef barbacoa recipe that requires minimal effort. The beef simmers in a smoky, tangy sauce with chipotle peppers and citrus, served with a bright lime crema.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 large white onion, chopped
  • 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
  • Pinch of salt
  • Corn or flour tortillas, warmed

Instructions

  1. Cut the chuck roast into 2-3 large chunks and pat dry.
  2. Place beef in the slow cooker and season generously with salt, pepper, and cumin.
  3. Top the beef with chopped onion and minced garlic.
  4. Whisk together beef broth, orange juice, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, oregano, and bay leaves.
  5. Pour the liquid mixture over the beef, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until beef is fork-tender (or HIGH for 4-5 hours).
  7. Remove beef from slow cooker and shred using two forks, discarding bay leaves.
  8. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat in juices.
  9. Let sit on LOW for 15-30 minutes to absorb flavors; reduce sauce if too thin.
  10. Mix sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt to make the lime crema.
  11. Serve beef in warm tortillas topped with lime crema and desired garnishes.

Notes

Chuck roast is essential for moisture; avoid lean cuts. The recipe is naturally gluten-free if using corn tortillas and certified gluten-free spices. Lime crema should be made fresh as it does not freeze well. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco with beef and
  • Calories: 380
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 22
  • Carbohydrates: 12
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 35

Keywords: slow cooker, beef barbacoa, tacos, chuck roast, chipotle, lime crema, easy dinner, meal prep, gluten-free

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://warmdinner.online/slow-cooker-beef-barbacoa-tacos-easy-recipe/