Slow-Simmered Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Bay Leaf

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shredded beef infused with smoky chipotle peppers and aromatic bay leaves, slow-cooked for deep flavor, perfect for tacos or burritos. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 315 minutes turns cut into 3-inch chunks beef chuck roast, beef broth, medium, quartered 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 380 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 lbs beef chuck roast chunks into a slow cooker. Add 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 1/2 cups beef broth, 1 medium quartered white onion, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 bay leaves, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Stir gently to combine and ensure beef is mostly submerged; cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours until beef is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  3. Step 3: Remove beef chunks and shred with two forks, discarding bay leaves and onion quarters.
  4. Step 4: Return shredded beef to slow cooker and stir to coat with cooking juices; keep warm until serving.
  5. Step 5: Serve barbacoa in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Bay Leaf take to make?

Total time is about 315 minutes (15 min prep + 300 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-Simmered Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Bay Leaf?

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-Simmered Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Bay Leaf?

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-Simmered Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Bay Leaf 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-Simmered Beef Barbacoa with Chipotle and Bay Leaf?

Mexican cinco de mayo 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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