Barbacoa-Style Shredded Beef

This melt-in-your-mouth barbacoa recipe is shockingly easy to make in your slow cooker.?

What Is Barbacoa? 

Barbacoa is a method of cooking meat that produces tender and juicy results. It's traditionally steam-cooked underground. These days, barbacoa can be prepared over an open fire, on the stove, or in a slow cooker.

Learn more: What Is Barbacoa and How Do You Make It?

What Is Barbacoa Meat? 

Historically, lamb or goat is used to make barbacoa. Modern versions can be made with beef or pork. This barbacoa recipe calls for a 3-pound beef chuck roast.?

How to Make Barbacoa

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:?

Barbacoa Seasoning

The beef is simply seasoned with salt and pepper, then slowly cooked in a flavorful mixture seasoned with garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, and bay leaves.

How to Make Barbacoa at Home

Here?s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this slow cooker barbacoa recipe:?

1. Season the beef and brown it on all sides in a skillet.?
2. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients.?
3. Cook the meat on Low until fork-tender, then shred.?
4. Return the beef to the slow cooker and toss in the sauce.?

What to Serve With Barbacoa

Serve your barbacoa with corn tortillas with toppings such as onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. For more delicious serving inspiration, explore our entire collection of Mexican Side Dishes. Here are a few of the top-rated recipes you?ll find: 

• Mexican Rice
• Quick and Easy Refried Beans
• Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote)

How to Store Barbacoa

Store the leftover barbacoa (and its juices) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat the meat on the stove, in the oven, or in the slow cooker.?

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise 

?The meat is so tender and the taste is amazing,? raves Momma Scriv. ?I?m a little bit of a lightweight, so I cut it down to one chipotle, but it was still very good. You can also dredge your tortilla in the sauce, fill it with the meat and cheese, and toss it on a skillet or griddle!?

?It was a big hit as is, but if you like really spicy it could be easily made more spicy by adding more of the peppers,? according to one Cookdap community member. ?I served fresh jalape?os on the side for those who wanted more of a kick. The spice blend was perfect for me.?

?This turned out absolutely delicious,? says Stan. ?I put the beef on fresh corn tortillas that were dipped in the au jus, then griddled, flipped and topped with cheese!!! Finished them off by stuffing them with this amazing beef, folded, and crisped up!?