Slow Cooker Barbacoa Tacos

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a slow-roasted beef barbacoa that can be served in tacos, in burritos, or on taco salads

Prep Time15

Active Time7

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: servings

Calories: 338cal

Author: Melissa

Materials

3 lbs. chuck roast - cut into 2-3 inch wide sections
2 cups water
2 bouillon cubes beef
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
3 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. mustard powder
1 tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. ground cumin powder
5 bay leaves
2 Tbsp. lime juice
7 oz. chipotle in adobe sauce - *note - this makes these tacos spicy. If you do not like spicy flavors. Feel free to omit this ingredient (an alternative spice: consider adding some chili powder for less of a kick)

Instructions

Place the slabs of beef in your slow cooker
add liquid and bouillon cubes
mix spices in a small bowl and shake over the liquid and beef
pour in the lime juice
add your bay leaves
spoon out the chipotle and adobe sauce
close the lid and set on low
cook for 7-8 hours (beef should be tender enough to pull apart with a fork)
remove bay leaves
take out the beef and shred it
spoon out some of the juice so you have it to serve with the tacos
place shredded beef back into the remaining juices
serve over warm tortilla shells with your favorite taco toppings

Notes

For a less spicy taco:

Do not add the chipotle peppers in adobe sauce
An alternative for a little bit of spice, but not so hot - 2-3 Tbsp. of ground chili powder

Can I Make Barbacoa Tacos in Advance?

Yes! This is a great recipe to make in advance because the longer it sits in the juices the more flavor it will take on.

Reheating: Reheat meat in its' juices in a covered saucepan on the stovetop until heated through

Can I Freeze Barbacoa Meat?

Yes! Once the meat has cooled, place it in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months

Thawing: You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, in a slow cooker on low (with the lid on), or in a covered saucepan on low heat until heated through

What Kind of Tortilla Should Barbacoa Tacos be Served on?

I prefer a corn tortilla, but you can also use flour tortillas. It's really a matter of preference

How do you Shape Corn Tortillas into Taco Shells?

I like to first, preheat the oven to around 350 degrees. Then, I set them across 2 slats of my oven rack so they hang down on either side. I then bake them for about 5 minutes. They are ready when your tongs can lift them up and they still hold their shape.

Another tip: for crunchy corn tacos, spray the tortillas with cooking oil before baking

What Should I Serve with Barbacoa Tacos?

black beans
pico-de-gallo
fresh cilantro
sliced radishes
sour cream
Spanish rice
guacamole

Tips and Tricks:

use my method above to shape corn tortillas into shaped taco shells
cooking this barbacoa low and slow for about 8-9 hours, but you can still speed up the process by turning your slow cooker to high and cooking it for about 4-5 hours
you can substitute liquid beef broth for the water and bouillon cubes - you'll need 2 cups
if the chipotle peppers are too spicy, then substitute chili powder for a milder flavor (about 3 Tbsp.)

Nutritional Values are only an estimate

Nutrition