These tender, flavorful barbacoa beef tacos are slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors. Serve them in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for an authentic and delicious meal!
Ingredients
For the Barbacoa Beef:
- 3 lbs (1.3 kg) beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cloves (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
For Serving:
- Small corn or flour tortillas
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced onions
- Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese (optional)
- Lime wedges
- Sliced radishes (optional)
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef chunks on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer to a slow cooker or a heavy pot if cooking on the stovetop.
2. Prepare the Barbacoa Sauce:
- In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add them to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix the minced chipotle peppers, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cloves. Pour this mixture over the beef.
- Add the beef broth and bay leaves.
3. Slow Cook the Beef:
- Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
- Stovetop: Cover and simmer on low heat for about 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed.
4. Shred the Beef:
- Once the beef is tender, remove it from the slow cooker, discard the bay leaves, and shred the meat using two forks.
- Return the shredded beef to the pot and mix with the remaining sauce.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame for a slight char.
- Fill each tortilla with barbacoa beef, then top with cilantro, diced onions, crumbled cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice and black beans.
- Pair with a fresh avocado salsa or pickled red onions for extra flavor.
Enjoy your homemade barbacoa beef tacos with an authentic, rich taste!