Just like Chipotle! This Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa is slowly cooked to a tender state creating a perfect shredded meat for your tacos or burrito bowls.
We love us some Chipotle. Unfortunately, there is not ONE in the entire state of Mississippi. We had locations nearby during our six years in Chicago and the two years we spent in Southern California — we took it for granted. Now that we have none, I have to resort to making my own at home.
If you love shredded beef tacos or burritos, you will absolutely love this. Tender flavorful meat is the result of this slow cooker recipe. We’ve done tacos, we’ve done burrito bowls. Each time, though, I find myself picking at the meat solo because I love its taste alone.
Chipotle holds a special place in my heart because Ben introduced it to me for the first time in Baltimore before we were even dating. I should’ve known at that moment he had great taste! 😉
- 1 large onion , peeled and chopped
- 4 garlic cloves , pressed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 pounds chuck roast
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 bay leaves
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Place the chopped onions on the bottom of a slow cooker bowl. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, ground cloves, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Rub the spice mixture over the surface of the meat. Place the meat on top of the onions in the slow cooker (make sure to dump in all of the spice mixture that may have fallen off the meat).
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Pour the broth, lime juice and apple cider vinegar into the slow cooker bowl. Add the bay leaves. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. When done, transfer the meat to a large platter and shred, discarding fatty pieces. Discard the bay leaves. Add the shredded beef back into the slow cooker and toss with the liquid and onions. Serve warm in tacos or burrito bowls or any Mexican feast!
Jamie | The Kitchenarium says
July 30, 2015 at 9:09 AMWe love making Chipotle-esque meals at home. This barbacoa looks amazing! Perfect for busy nights after school.
Lise says
July 31, 2015 at 1:18 PMCan’t wait to try this next week!! yay! Thanks, Nikki.
Nikki Gladd says
August 3, 2015 at 8:11 AMI think you’ll love it, Lise!
Lise says
January 8, 2016 at 11:26 AMThis recipe is fantastic! I made it again last night and I felt like I was eating at a restaurant–at my own table!
Thanks again!
Nikki Gladd says
January 8, 2016 at 4:02 PMThat’s awesome, Lise! Thank you for letting me know! 🙂
Emma loves a Good Crumbed Fish Recipe! says
August 4, 2015 at 2:46 AMI’m soooo into my Slow Cooker at the moment and have made some rippers lately. This beef dish looks delicious. I have pinned it to remind me to make it when we get home from the hols. Thanks for sharing!!
Nikki Gladd says
August 27, 2015 at 10:03 AMThanks, Emma! Hope you liked it! I’m totally into my slow cooker, too! 🙂
Ashley | the Pike Place Kitchen says
August 6, 2015 at 7:38 AMthis looks AWESOME. I love chipotle so i’ll have to try this ASAP – as a healthier (? I assume because it’s homemade hahahah) alternative that won’t kill my wallet 😉
Nikki Gladd says
August 27, 2015 at 10:02 AMHa! Yes, homemade = healthier, always, right? 😉 Definitely like not having to spend the cash on it, too.
Megan {Country Cleaver} says
August 10, 2015 at 9:23 PMThis is to die for!! And don’t get me wrong, I love me some “Chipoodle” as much as the next girl, but I can’t afford to binge too often, I’d much rather make this beauty at home!!
Nikki Gladd says
August 27, 2015 at 10:02 AM“Chipoodle”… hehehehe! Xoxo!
Sue gladd says
September 2, 2015 at 8:56 PMMy all time favorite !
Julie says
October 26, 2015 at 2:00 PMMarvelous recipe! I wasn’t sure about the cloves, but it totally worked. My husband loved it last night, and he just texted to tell me how good it was for lunch today!
Thanks for sharing.
Nikki Gladd says
October 27, 2015 at 9:14 AMThanks, Julie! I’m glad he’s already enjoying the leftovers, too! 🙂