Easy Crockpot Beef Barbacoa that is Perfect for Tacos
Crockpots are great at many things, but mainly making dinner easier. One dish that is a great example of the benefits of slow cooking is barbacoa. We can cook an easy crockpot beef barbacoa that is perfect for tacos!
Taking Taco Tuesday to the next level is far more accessible when we have an easy crockpot beef barbacoa recipe on hand. Barbacoa is a Mexican cooking method, not a dish by itself, though Chipotle may have you thinking otherwise.
In fact, barbacoa is essentially Mexican BBQ. The idea of barbacoa and BBQ are very similar in that they require us to cook meat over an open flame. Traditional and absolutely authentic barbacoa is made in a pit in the ground.
The flame is at the bottom; the meat is set just far enough to cook and soak in smoky flavors. The top of the pit is covered with agave leaves that help trap the smoke in the pit. Americans can be given some grace for thinking that barbacoa is nothing more than a braised beef dish.
Many Mexican restaurants use a slow-braised beef recipe to make a dish they label barbacoa on their menus. Of course, no one is digging a hole in their yard to make an authentic Mexican dinner.
Instead, we can take the idea of slowly cooking meat and toss in a bit of technology to make things easier. We need an easy crockpot beef barbacoa recipe that is perfect for tacos.
Easy Crockpot beef Barbacoa that is Perfect for Tacos
Barbacoa beef is the Mexican version of meat that has been slowly cooked over an open flame. Historians believe that barbacoa was the Mexican take on the traditional cooking method of the Taio people of the Carribean.
In fact, many historians believe this is where BBQ, in general, got its start. Today, we will be putting our own twist on the Taio people’s cooking method via the Mexican version, which we call barbacoa.
We won’t be digging any pits or gathering agave leaves. Instead, all we need is a crockpot to get the job done as close to authentically as possible.
What Cut of Meat is Barbacoa Made From?
Did you know that Mexican food is the third most-liked cuisine in the US? We can not get enough of those delicious spice mixtures, salsas, and cheeses. An easy crockpot beef barbacoa recipe allows us to make that cuisine at home.
Still, we will need a lot of flavors here to mimic that pit that does a lot more than we may even realize. Luckily, the leading choice of meat for barbacoa is a cheap beef chuck roast. Traditionally, barbacoa is either beef, goat, or lamb.
We want to use chuck roast because it will shred more efficiently and benefit the most from a crockpot’s low and slow cooking method.
What is Barbacoa Traditionally Made with?
An easy crockpot beef barbacoa recipe won’t be as intensive as the actual, traditional dish. Instead, we are aiming to get as close to that taste and texture as possible. Traditionally, barbacoa is made with spices, including ancho chile peppers, Mexican oregano, pureed garlic, onions, cinnamon, and allspice.
The meat is then wrapped in banana or agave leaves and then slowly cooked in a pit. This recipe uses similar ingredients, but we need to adjust a few things to make up for our cooking method.
Onions, garlic, and Mexican oregano are present. We also add beef broth, apple cider vinegar, cumin, chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, salt, and pepper.
How to Make Crockpot Barbacoa
Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper and set aside.
Add the remaining ingredients to a food processor or into a small bowl to blend with a stick blender. Blend until all the ingredients are incorporated. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef. Brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. When you are browning the second side, add the onions to the pan and let them cook slightly.
Add the beef to your Crock Pot, then pour the sauce over the top. Secure the Crock Pot lid and cook for 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low.
When beef is done, use two forks to shred it, and it’s ready to serve.
Easy Crockpot Beef Barbacoa
Ingredients
- 3 Lbs Beef Chuck Roast, Cut into Cubes
- 1 Cup Onion, Diced
- 2 Tbsp. Garlic, Diced fine (2-4 Cloves)
- 1/2 Cup Beef Broth
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Lime Juice (About 2 Limes)
- 2 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Cumin
- 3 Chipotle Chiles in Adobo Sauce, Chopped Small, with Some of the Sauce
- 1 Tsp. Oregano
- 2 Tsp. Salt
- Pepper to Taste
- Oil or Butter for Browning
Instructions
- Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Add the remaining ingredients to a food processor or into a small bowl to blend with a stick blender. Blend until all the ingredients are incorporated. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef. Brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. When you are browning the second side, add the onions to the pan and let them cook slightly.
- Add the beef to your Crock Pot, then pour the sauce over the top. Secure the Crock Pot lid and cook for 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low.
- When beef is done, use two forks to shred it and it’s ready to serve.
More Crockpot Recipes
Healthy Slow Cooker Beef Stew | Beef stew is a dish that takes a bit of time to complete. But the crockpot makes it easy time and delicious.
Crockpot Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe | Pulling pork in a crockpot is easier than any other method and is filled with flavor.
Apple Crisp with Cake Mix Recipe | You can also make dessert in your crockpot, and the results will surprise you and please your guests.
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Sandwiches | Shredded chicken can be used in so many ways. Enjoy these sandwiches and then use the leftovers for tacos, salads, and so much more.
Easy Crockpot Beef with Brown Rice and Vegetables | Been and brown rice is a healthy dish that’s also delicious and super easy to make.
