Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Cilantro
Tender, slow-cooked beef infused with smoky chipotle and fresh cilantro, perfect for tacos or rice bowls. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 495 minutes turns beef chuck roast, beef broth, large, sliced white onion into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 peppers, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 large, sliced white onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 3 lbs beef chuck roast in a slow cooker and season with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp dried oregano evenly.
- Step 2: Add 1 large sliced white onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup beef broth on top of the meat.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until the beef is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- Step 4: Remove beef from slow cooker and shred with two forks, then stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro for brightness.
- Step 5: Serve warm as taco filling or over rice with your favorite toppings.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Cilantro?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Cilantro?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Cilantro for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Cilantro?
Mexican beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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