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Crockpot Beef Barbacoa

Savory Crockpot Beef Barbacoa: Effortless Flavor Awaits

Crockpot Beef Barbacoa delivers tender, flavorful meat perfect for tacos and burrito bowls.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 9 hours
Total Time 9 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 3.5 pounds Beef Roast cut into 2-inch chunks
For the Cooking Liquid
  • 2/3 cup Beef Broth or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar or red wine vinegar
For the Spices
  • Vegetable Oil or olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Salt adjust to taste
  • 1.5 tablespoons Chili Powder swap with milder variety if desired
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder or fresh onions
  • 1.5 teaspoons Cumin or ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika or smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly cracked is best
  • 1 piece Dried Bay Leaf optional
For Garnishing
  • 2 pieces Limes cut into wedges
  • 3 tablespoons Cilantro chopped, omit if disliked

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and black pepper until combined.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. Sprinkle the prepared spice blend evenly over the browned beef in the slow cooker and gently toss to coat.
  4. Pour the beef broth and apple cider vinegar over the beef and add the dried bay leaf, stirring gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours, checking for tenderness.
  6. Once cooked, shred the beef in the slow cooker with two forks until it pulls apart easily.
  7. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the shredded beef and stir in chopped cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Fresh ingredients such as garlic and onions will enhance the flavor significantly. Browning the beef is optional but recommended for added richness.

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