What kind of meat is barbacoa?

Barbacoa usually uses beef chuck roast because it becomes tender after slow cooking. Traditional recipes may also use lamb or goat.

Is barbacoa brain meat?

No. This recipe uses beef chuck roast. Modern Barbacoa recipes commonly use beef instead of brain meat.

What does barbacoa beef taste like?

Barbacoa has a rich, smoky, mildly spicy flavor with bright citrus notes from fresh lime juice. The meat stays juicy and tender.

Is barbacoa an organ meat?

No. This recipe uses beef chuck roast, which is a muscle cut rather than an organ meat.

Barbacoa Recipe | Amazing Slow Cooker Family Dinner

Name: Barbacoa Recipe | Amazing Slow Cooker Family Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 3-inch chunks; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 to 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely diced; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 3/4 cup beef stock; 3 bay leaves; Chopped cilantro, optional for serving; Fresh lime wedges, optional for serving

Description

Tender slow cooker barbacoa made with beef chuck roast, smoky chipotle peppers, fresh lime juice, garlic, and warm spices. The beef cooks until juicy and easy to shred, making it perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, quesadillas, salads, and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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

1 yellow onion, diced

3 to 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely diced

5 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1/2 tablespoon dried oregano

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

3/4 cup beef stock

3 bay leaves

Chopped cilantro, optional for serving

Fresh lime wedges, optional for serving

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Instructions

1. Add the beef chuck roast, diced onion, chipotle peppers, garlic, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, ground cloves, and beef stock to the slow cooker.

2. Mix the ingredients until the beef pieces have an even coating.

3. Add the bay leaves, cover the slow cooker, and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.

4. Check the beef for tenderness. It should pull apart easily with a fork.

5. Transfer the cooked beef to a cutting board and shred it with two forks.

6. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker.

7. Stir the meat into the cooking juices and let it soak up the liquid before serving.

8. Serve as desired with chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedges.

Notes

Cook the beef until it shreds effortlessly. If it still feels firm, continue cooking it a little longer.

Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor.

For the best texture, use beef chuck roast cut into large chunks.

Use fewer chipotle peppers for milder barbacoa or add more for extra heat.

Store leftovers with the cooking juices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave with some of the juices.

You can also reheat the meat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. Keep it covered with the juices so it stays moist.

Serve the barbacoa in tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos, quesadillas, salads, or other Mexican-inspired meals.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 884 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 44 g
Cholesterol: 156 mg