Slow Cooker Barbacoa

With only 5 minutes of prep, this Beef Slow Cooker Barbacoa is tender, savory, and perfect for filling tacos or burritos!

Enchilada Casserole and Beef Empanadas are both perfect ways to use this flavorful Slow Cooker Barbacoa. It’s perfect for filling tacos or serving with your favorite rice and beans!

What is barbacoa?

Barbacoa is a delicious dish from central Mexico. Traditionally beef, lamb, or goat meat is seasoned and slow cooked in a pot in a deep hole in the ground.

The meat sits on a rack so it’s not submerged in juices.  It is often called Birria, which is a juicier version of barbacoa because it’s cooked directly in the juices. 

This tender barbacoa beef is SO simple to make. You basically throw everything in the crock pot and let it marinate. Slow Cooker Barbacoa is perfect for serving on tacos, in enchiladas, or on rolls! So many tasty options.

How to make barbacoa in a slow cooker

SEASONING. Add beef broth, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic salt and pepper to the bowl of your slow cooker.

COOK. Add chuck roast chunks and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.

SHRED. Chuck roast pieces should fall apart easily. Shred with a fork, remove any fat pieces, transfer back to slow cooker and mix with remaining juices and spices.

SERVE! Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Use in tacos or burritos.

beef barbacoa toppings

Barbacoa meat is full of amazing flavor. You can eat it straight off a plate all on its own or use Corn or Flour Tortillas to make burritos, tacos, and quesadillas,or add it to the tops of salads and nachos.

Some common toppings for barbacoa dishes include: 

• Produce: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced avocados, cilantro, diced onions
• Cheese: Shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar Cheese, Cotija
• Pico de Gallo
• Guacamole 
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salsa, hot sauce

More ways TO USE beef BARBACOA

Serve this tasty shredded beef barbacoa recipe on or in:

• Burrito bowls
• Cilantro lime rice
• Corn tortillas
• Black beans
• Tacos
• Burritos
• Enchiladas
• Quesadillas

Storing Info

Once cooked, you can leave the slow cooker barbacoa beef on the warm setting for 2-4 hours. For longer storage use the refrigerator or freezer. 

• Fridge: Store leftovers, including all the delicious juices, in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the fridge for 3-4 days. It is easiest to reheat it in the microwave. You can also reheat it on the stovetop or cover in the oven. 
• Freeze: Freeze barbacoa, along with the juices, for up to 3 months. Place it in an airtight freezer safe container (freezer bags also work great). Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the microwave or in the oven.

For more Mexican dishes, try:

• Red Cheese Enchiladas 
• Chicken Quesadillas 
• Homemade Spanish Rice 
• Mexican Cornbread 
• Arroz con Leche 
• Cream Cheese and Chicken Taquitos 
• Taco Casserole