When it comes to slow cooker meals that take their sweet time to develop deep, complex flavors, this 7-hour Beef Barbacoa stands out. Succulent shreds of tender beef simmered in a mouthwatering blend of spices and aromatics will have you dreaming about dinner all day—no fuss required.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into large chunks
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped (plus 1 tablespoon of the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
To get started, most of the work lies in a quick prep. Place the beef chuck roast chunks into your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic around and on top of the beef. Next, spoon in the chopped chipotle pepper and adobo sauce, letting the smoky, slightly spicy flavor coat the meat.
In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and beef broth. Pour this fragrant mixture over the beef and vegetables. Finish by drizzling in the lime juice for a fresh citrus kick that brightens up everything.
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 7 hours. Resist the urge to peek too often—letting the ingredients gradually mingle under gently circulating heat is the secret to succulence. After 7 hours, the beef will be profoundly tender. Carefully shred it with two forks, stirring it back into the flavorful cooking juices.
This recipe is a surefire winner for a host of reasons. It’s perfect for anyone craving a hearty, slow-simmered meal that requires minimal active cooking. The slow cooker does all the hard work, breaking down the meat and infusing it with a gentle kick of spice. For those watching their sodium intake, reduce the salt or use a low-sodium beef broth. You can also dial down the heat by skipping or reducing the chipotle pepper.
Try spooning the barbacoa into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, or layer it onto a bed of rice and beans for a satisfying burrito bowl. However you serve it, you’ll love how effortless (yet incredibly delicious) a 7-hour slow cooker meal can be.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
