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Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef

Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef – Tender Tacos for Every Occasion

Discover the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef, a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for tacos.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 tacos
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil Provides fat for searing and enhances flavor; substitute with olive oil if desired.
  • 1.5 kg Braising Beef Choose chuck or brisket for optimal tenderness.
  • 1 tbsp Adobo Paste Adds depth and spice; substitute if unavailable.
  • 1 tbsp Chipotle Paste Provides smokiness and heat; substitute if desired.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh is best.
  • 1 tbsp Cumin Key spice for authentic flavor.
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander Key spice for authentic flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Oregano Can use Mexican oregano for more authentic taste.
  • 480 ml Beef Stock Can use low-sodium or homemade stock.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 0.25 tsp Ground Cloves Adds warmth; skip if not available.
  • 4 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice Use fresh for the best results.
For Serving
  • 12 pieces Soft Tacos Corn or flour tortillas are both suitable.
  • 1 piece Red Onion Sliced; adds crunch and flavor.
  • 4 tbsp Fresh Coriander Chopped; fresh herb topping for bright flavor.
  • 2 pieces Jalapeños Sliced; can substitute with milder peppers if desired.
  • 10 pieces Cherry Tomatoes Quartered; adds freshness and color.
  • 120 ml Soured Cream Substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
  • 2 pieces Limes Cut into wedges for serving.

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • frying pan
  • cutting board

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the braising beef and sear it on all sides until it's beautifully browned—about 3-4 minutes per side.
  2. In the same frying pan, lower the heat slightly and add the adobo paste, chipotle paste, minced garlic, cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and ground cloves. Pour in the beef stock and fresh lime juice, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil for about 5 minutes.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the seared beef in the slow cooker. Ensure the beef is mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover and set it on low for 8-9 hours or high for 6 hours until fork-tender.
  4. Once the beef is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Mix in some of the reserved cooking liquid for added moisture.
  5. Warm soft tacos in a skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by adding shredded beef, topped with onions, coriander, jalapeños, and tomatoes. Drizzle with soured cream and serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Tips for best results include searing the beef for enhanced flavor and adjusting spices for personal preference. This dish is ideal for meal prep and can be customized with various toppings.

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