Name: Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 lb Beef brisket or chuck roast (trimmed and cut into 2 inch chunks); 1/2 cup Beef broth (or chicken broth); 2 medium Chipotle chiles in adobo (including the sauce, about 4 tsp); 5 cloves Garlic (minced or coarsely chopped); 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp Lime juice; 1 tbsp Dried oregano; 2 tsp Cumin; 2 tsp Sea salt; 1 tsp Black pepper; 1/2 tsp Ground cloves (optional); 2 whole Bay leaf

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 4 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe, your new go-to for effortlessly tender and deeply flavorful beef that tastes like it came straight from a favorite Mexican taqueria. This dish combines smoky chipotle chiles, tangy lime, and a blend of earthy spices to create a mouthwatering experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Whether you’re craving tacos, burritos, or a hearty bowl, this recipe delivers unforgettable barbacoa that’s simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up top view of a clear glass cup filled with one layer of thick, smooth, brown sauce with a slightly grainy texture. The inside rim of the cup shows streaks of the sauce, highlighting its rich consistency. The cup sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the final dish so special. From the rich beef to the fragrant spices, these pantry staples come together in a harmony that’s both bold and balanced.

3 lb Beef brisket or chuck roast: Choose a well-marbled cut for tender, juicy meat that shreds beautifully after slow cooking.
1/2 cup Beef broth (or chicken broth): Adds moisture and rich umami depth to the cooking liquid.
2 medium Chipotle chiles in adobo: Provide smoky heat and vibrant color, essential to authentic barbacoa flavor.
5 cloves Garlic (minced or coarsely chopped): Bring pungent warmth and a savory base note to the sauce.
2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the beef.
2 tbsp Lime juice: Brings fresh citrus zing to brighten and balance the smoky spices.
1 tbsp Dried oregano: Lends herbal complexity with its slightly peppery, minty undertones.
2 tsp Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy aroma that’s iconic in Mexican cooking.
2 tsp Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
1 tsp Black pepper: Adds a subtle sharpness to round out the spice profile.
1/2 tsp Ground cloves (optional): Gives an intriguing hint of sweet warmth that deepens the overall taste.
2 whole Bay leaves: Impart a gentle, aromatic earthiness while the beef slow cooks.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Base

In a blender, combine the beef broth, chipotle chiles with their adobo sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, dried oregano, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and ground cloves if using. Puree everything until you achieve a smooth, rich sauce that will infuse the beef with deep, smoky flavors during cooking.

Step 2: Arrange the Beef in the Slow Cooker

Place your trimmed and cut beef chunks into the slow cooker, evenly spreading them out. Pour the pureed sauce directly over the meat to ensure every piece becomes saturated with that luscious chipotle marinade. Add the whole bay leaves to infuse the dish with their subtle, herbal notes throughout the slow cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours. You want the beef so tender that it literally falls apart at the touch of a fork—a hallmark of perfect barbacoa. The slow, gentle cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the meat transforms into a tender treasure.

Step 4: Shred and Rest

Once the beef is ready, remove the bay leaves and use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded beef gently into the juices to soak up every bit of smoky, tangy goodness, then cover and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This little moment of patience intensifies the flavor and ensures each bite bursts with deliciousness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe

The image shows a slow cooker filled with shredded meat in a thick, dark red sauce. The meat looks soft and moist with strands mixed with a shiny oily layer spreading across the top. Two silver forks are stuck into the meat, placed side by side near the middle of the cooker. The cooker itself is black and round, contrasting with the rich, deep red of the sauce and the brown meat. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The right garnishes elevate your Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe to something truly special. Fresh cilantro leaves add a vibrant green freshness, tangy diced onions bring crunch and bite, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens every forkful. Don’t forget sliced radishes or crumbled queso fresco for texture and an extra pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

Barbacoa pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides that absorb its rich juices. Warm corn or flour tortillas are a classic pick for tacos, while fluffy Mexican rice and refried beans make satisfying companions. For a fresh twist, try a crisp cabbage slaw or grilled street corn that adds smoky, creamy contrasts to the savory beef.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Turn your Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe into taco bowls layered with rice, beans, avocado, and salsa for a colorful and hearty meal. Stuff it into burritos with your favorite toppings for a portable feast or pile it onto tostadas for a crunchy, flavor-packed treat. The versatility means you can effortlessly customize your presentation to fit any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover barbacoa in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making reheated portions even more delicious. Be sure to store the meat with some of its cooking juices to keep it moist.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the shredded beef into freezer bags or containers, making sure to include the sauce to maintain moisture. It will keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for meal prep or unexpected gatherings.

Reheating

Reheat the barbacoa gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it juicy. Stir occasionally and heat just until warmed through to preserve the tender texture and vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While brisket or chuck roast are ideal for their fat content and tenderness, you can also use beef shoulder or even short ribs if you prefer. Just make sure to allow enough cooking time for the meat to become tender and easy to shred.

How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe?

The chipotle chiles add a smoky heat that’s moderate, not overwhelming. If you want to tone down the heat, reduce the number of chipotle chiles or remove the seeds before blending. Conversely, add more if you love a fiery kick.

Can I make this recipe in an oven or Instant Pot?

Yes! For the oven, cook the beef covered at 300°F in a Dutch oven for about 3 to 4 hours until tender. In an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 60 to 75 minutes with a natural release. Adjust times slightly based on your appliance.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftover barbacoa is fantastic in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even atop nachos. It also works great as a filling for breakfast eggs or mixed into scrambled eggs for a flavorful twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure any tortillas or sides you serve alongside are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich in flavor and incredibly easy to prepare, this Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe is a must-try. Its smoky, tangy profile paired with super tender beef is guaranteed to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to share it over and over with family and friends because good food like this is truly meant to be enjoyed together.

Slow Cooker Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need