Whether you’re looking to avoid using your oven or stove in the summer heat or simply want to prepare a delicious meal for a large group, opt for this beef barbacoa recipe. My entire family enjoys this dish because I always use it to fill sandwiches, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas with this tender and flavorful beef!

 Beef Barbacoa Recipe

Traditionally, barbacoa meat is cooked over an open flame. However, you can achieve the same delicious results with ease by using your slow cooker. Enjoy the flavorful outcome without the hassle of traditional cooking methods!

Simple Barbacoa Recipe

Is there anything more effortless than gathering ingredients and placing them in the slow cooker together? Not really! This allows you to focus on countless other tasks. Making Barbacoa is so simple that you could prepare it before leaving for work and come home to a delicious meal.

Creating Homemade Barbacoa

Begin by drying off the beef using paper towels and seasoning it thoroughly with salt and pepper. Place it in the slow cooker and add all the remaining ingredients. Let it cook on low heat for 8 hours. Once done, use two forks to pull apart the meat and serve it however you prefer – whether in warm corn tortillas, as part of a burrito bowl, on a salad, or any other way you like.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Barbacoa Every Time

How to Prepare Beef Barbacoa

Historically, barbacoa is cooked over an open flame. However, with this recipe for slow cooker barbacoa, you can utilize your slow cooker to enjoy this flavorful meat without the need for heat exposure.

How Long to Cook Barbacoa in a Slow Cooker

Since barbacoa meat is naturally tough, the key to achieving that perfect fall-apart texture is to cook it slowly and at a low temperature in a slow cooker. For this reason, it is recommended to cook it on low for a duration of 8 hours.

Exploring Texas Barbacoa

Texas barbacoa follows the authentic method of preparing this traditional Mexican delicacy by utilizing beef cheeks as the primary ingredient.

Origins of Barbacoa

Barbacoa has its roots in Mexico and has gained widespread popularity, making it easily accessible. However, creating your barbacoa at home can be a more economical option.

How is authentic barbacoa prepared?

Traditional barbacoa involves using beef, goat, or sheep and cooking it over a fire or in an underground oven. However, the same delicious dish can be made easily at home using a slow cooker.

What type of meat is beef barbacoa?

Barbacoa is prepared using beef, specifically chuck roast. While chuck roast is typically a tough cut of meat, slow-cooking it in this manner results in a tender texture.

What is the flavor profile of barbacoa?

Simply put, barbacoa tastes delightful! It has a tender texture infused with adobo and various spices that blend harmoniously to create a unique and flavorful experience.

What kind of meat does Slice Of Flavor use for barbacoa?

If you enjoy Slice Of Flavor’s barbacoa, they utilize shoulder meat because of its high fat content, which results in a juicy outcome after slow cooking. This recipe enables you to replicate the dish at home anytime you desire, and at a lower cost!

Understanding the Contrast Between Barbacoa and Carnitas

Barbacoa distinguishes itself through the slow-cooking process that results in tender, shredded meat. This savory dish can feature beef, lamb, or goat. In contrast, carnitas primarily consist of pork. While both are slow-cooked, carnitas are typically kept in sizable chunks before being crisped up in a skillet.

Is barbacoa made from cow tongue?

No, barbacoa is typically prepared using chuck roast, a tough cut from the shoulder that becomes tender when cooked slowly in a slow cooker.

What ingredients are used in barbacoa sauce?

The barbacoa sauce in this recipe consists of beef broth, garlic, cumin, oregano, ground cloves, fresh lime juice, onion, chipotle chilis in adobo, and bay leaves.

Perfect Complements for Beef Barbacoa

Barbacoa tacos (tacos de barbacoa) offer a delicious way to enjoy barbacoa meat. In addition to the classic accompaniments like tortillas, rice, and salad, barbacoa pairs beautifully with guacamole, Mexican street corn, salsa, black bean soup, refried beans, and avocado tomato salad. Don’t forget to serve it with your preferred Mexican side dishes!

Storing Barbacoa Properly

After cooling down, place your barbacoa in the refrigerator inside a sealed container to maintain its freshness.

How Long Can Barbacoa Stay Fresh?

If stored in the refrigerator, your barbacoa can last up to 5 days. In case you have leftovers that won’t be consumed within that time frame, consider freezing them for later use.

Is Freezing Beef Barbacoa Possible?

Barbacoa is an ideal candidate for freezing, making it a convenient option for meal planning. I prefer storing it in a sealed freezer bag, ensuring it is properly labeled and leaving some space at the top. This way, you can preserve it for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Beef Barbacoa?

It is essential to thaw your barbacoa in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, you can warm it up on the stovetop using a skillet.