Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef
If you’re craving bold, authentic Mexican flavor with little hands-on work, this slow cooker barbacoa beef recipe is exactly what you need. Made with beef brisket, chipotle peppers, and warming spices, the beef cooks low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender. This recipe is a favorite for taco night, meal prep, or DIY burrito bowls. Whether you’re feeding a crowd for Cinco de Mayo or just making a weeknight meal feel special, this easy recipe delivers on both taste and convenience. The best part? This shredded meat tastes even better the next day!
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Ingredient Notes
- Beef brisket: This cut of beef is rich in connective tissue, which breaks down during slow cooking to create succulent beef that’s perfect for shredding.
- Minced garlic: Adds depth and that classic, savory kick.
- Sea salt & black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the beef’s natural richness.
- Ground cumin: Delivers warm, earthy notes that are signature in traditional barbacoa.
- Mexican oregano: A slightly citrusy herb that gives this dish its authentic flavor.
- Canned chipotle pepper: Brings heat and smoky richness; use more or less depending on spice preference.
- Adobo sauce: Adds smoky, spicy, and tangy flavor—don’t skip it!
- Beef broth: Infuses the meat with rich flavor and keeps it juicy as it cooks.
- Chopped cilantro: A bright, fresh topping to balance the rich meat.
Beef brisket, chuck roast, or beef cheeks are great options due to their fat content and connective tissue.
While this is not cooked in an underground oven, it’s a slow cooker version of authentic barbacoa that’s simplified for the home cook.
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Try sour cream, pico de gallo, fresh lime juice, black beans, Mexican rice, or white onion for a full spread or DIY taco bar.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef
- Place the meat in a slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients, stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. After cooking is done, shred the meat.
- Serve in your favorite tacos, tortillas, over rice or on a salad.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 lbs beef brisket
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons Mexican oregano
- 1 canned chipotle pepper more if you like it spicy
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers
- 1 cup beef broth
For after cooking, optional toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Street taco shells
- Salsa
- Finely sliced red onion
Instructions
- Place the meat in a slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients, stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. After cooking, shred the meat.
- Serve in your favorite tacos, tortillas, over rice or on a salad.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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You’ve got to love these, mmmm, sooo taasssttÿyyyy😘