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Slow Cooked Beef Barbacoa

Slow Cooked Beef Barbacoa is a tender, flavorful dish that is perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over rice. This dish features beef simmered slowly in a blend of aromatic spices, chiles, and tangy vinegar, creating melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s full of deep, savory flavor.
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Equipment

  • Slow cooker or crockpot
  • Large skillet
  • Tongs or spoon
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Blender or food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 dried ancho chiles stemmed and seeds removed
  • 2 dried guajillo chiles stemmed and seeds removed
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce optional for extra spice
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground oregano
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chiles:
  • Heat a small skillet over medium heat and toast the dried ancho and guajillo chiles for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Remove the chiles from the skillet and place them in a bowl of hot water. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes, or until softened.
  • Sear the Beef:
  • While the chiles are soaking, season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
  • Blend the Sauce:
  • After the chiles have softened, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add the garlic, onion, vinegar, cumin, oregano, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, lime juice, and beef broth.
  • Blend until smooth, then pour the sauce over the beef in the slow cooker.
  • Slow Cook the Beef:
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  • Shred the Beef:
  • Remove the beef from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the meat. Discard any large fat pieces.
  • Serve:
  • Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix it into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Serve the barbacoa in tacos, burritos, or over rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.