This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Transform your weeknight meals with this foolproof Crockpot Beef Barbacoa recipe. Tender, smoky beef that’s perfect for Healthy Dinner Ideas, tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. Minimal prep yields maximum flavor!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set-it-and-forget-it convenience for busy families
Budget-friendly using affordable chuck roast
Authentic Mexican flavors without complicated steps
Kid Friendly Dinners that even picky eaters love
Perfect for meal prep and freezer storage

Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Beef chuck roast	4 pounds	Cut into 3-inch chunks
Yellow onion	1 medium	Diced
Chipotles in adobo	3-4 peppers	Finely diced
Garlic cloves	5	Minced
Fresh lime juice	¼ cup	Fresh squeezed
Apple cider vinegar	2 tbsp
Ground cumin	1 tbsp
Dried oregano	½ tbsp
Kosher salt	2 tsp
Black pepper	1 tsp
Ground cloves	¼ tsp
Beef stock	¾ cup	Low-sodium preferred
Bay leaves	3

Equipment You’ll Need

Use a reliable slow cooker for perfect results. You’ll also want chef’s knives for trimming meat, a sturdy cutting board, and measuring cups and spoons for precision.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the ingredients: Cut your 4-pound beef chuck roast into 3-inch chunks using sharp chef’s knives on a stable cutting board. Dice the onion and mince garlic.
Combine in slow cooker: Add beef, onion, diced chipotles, garlic, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, cloves, and beef stock to your slow cooker. Toss gently with kitchen utensils.
Add bay leaves: Place 3 bay leaves on top, cover, and cook LOW 8-9 hours or HIGH 4-5 hours until fork-tender.
Shred the beef: Transfer meat to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return to cooker to soak up juices.
Serve hot: Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or nachos!

Serving Suggestions

Tacos: Corn tortillas + onion + cilantro + salsa
Rice bowls: Cilantro lime rice + black beans + avocado
Nachos: Tortilla chips + cheese + jalapeños
Salad: Mixed greens + corn + peppers + chipotle dressing

Storage & Freezing

Store in airtight containers up to 5 days in fridge. Freeze up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth.

Helpful Tips for Success

Don’t skip chipotles – they create the signature smoky flavor
Fresh lime juice makes a big difference over bottled
Taste and adjust salt before serving
Make ahead for parties – improves with time!

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Approx 8 servings: 350 calories, 25g protein, 20g fat, 5g carbs

FAQ

Can I make Crockpot Beef Barbacoa spicier?

Yes! Add extra chipotles or a jalapeño. Start with one extra and taste test.

What’s the best slow cooker for this recipe?

A 6-7 quart slow cooker works perfectly for 4 pounds of meat.

Is this gluten-free?

Absolutely! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can kids eat this?

Definitely a Kid Friendly Dinner! The flavor mellows during cooking.

Equipment List

Tender Crockpot Beef Barbacoa : Quick Weeknight Dinner Recipes

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Tender, smoky Crockpot Beef Barbacoa perfect for family dinners, tacos, and meal prep. Minimal effort, maximum flavor!

Author: Sara
Prep Time: 20M
Cook Time: 8H
Total Time: 8H20M
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

4 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 3-inch chunks

1 yellow onion, diced

3 to 4 chipotles in adobo sauce, finely diced

5 garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon ground cumin

½ tablespoon dried oregano

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¾ cup beef stock

3 bay leaves

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients, except the bay leaves, to the bowl of a slow cooker.

2. Use tongs to gently toss and mix it all together. Then add the bay leaves, and cover. Cook on low for 8 to 9 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. The beef should be tender and fall apart easily when shredded with a fork. If it doesn’t shred easily, cook it a bit longer.

3. Remove the beef to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it.

4. Place the shredded beef back in the slow cooker, give it a stir, and let it absorb the juices.

5. Serve the barbacoa straight from the slow cooker, or add it to a plate and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

Perfect for tacos, rice bowls, nachos, or salads. Freezes beautifully for meal prep. Kid-friendly and budget-friendly!

If you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out the kitchen equipment below. Click on any image to view and purchase the product through our Amazon affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep Deliciousavors.com running and bringing you great recipes!