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Tender Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef Tacos Easy Recipe with Pickled Jalapeno

slow cooker barbacoa beef tacos - featured image
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A simple slow cooker recipe for tender, smoky, and spicy barbacoa beef tacos topped with tangy pickled jalapenos. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 to 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 cup beef broth (240 ml)
  • 1 medium white onion, chopped
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh lime juice from 1 lime
  • Corn tortillas, for serving
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos (homemade or store-bought)
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Diced white onion, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry the beef chuck roast and trim excess fat. In a bowl, mix ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cloves, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice blend evenly over the beef.
  2. Place chopped white onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add chopped chipotle peppers, beef broth, and bay leaves.
  3. Nestle the seasoned beef on top of the onion and chipotle mixture. Spoon some liquid and peppers over the meat. Cover with the slow cooker lid.
  4. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
  5. Remove the beef and shred it finely using two forks. Discard bay leaves from the slow cooker liquid.
  6. Return shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat with cooking juices. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the beef and mix well.
  7. Warm corn tortillas on a dry skillet or over a gas flame until pliable. Keep wrapped in a clean towel.
  8. Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with barbacoa beef, topping with pickled jalapenos, chopped cilantro, and diced onion if desired. Drizzle with cooking juices for extra flavor.

Notes

Use chuck roast for best tenderness. Cook low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth texture. Shred beef while warm for easier shredding. Save cooking juices to drizzle over tacos. Pickled jalapenos add a tangy balance to the rich beef. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps. Homemade pickled jalapenos improve flavor if made ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, barbacoa beef, tacos, pickled jalapenos, easy recipe, beef chuck roast, smoky, spicy, Mexican cuisine

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