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  • Writer's pictureDebra

Spicy Barbacoa Slow Cooker

Updated: Feb 18, 2023


This spicy barbacoa was inspired by Chipotle. I love a salad bowl at Chipotle so much that I need to know how to make this at home. I love barbacoa as a taco salad, tortilla chips, pico de gallo, guacamole, and just a dollop of sour cream. I am in heaven every time I make this dish for lunch, dinner, and sometimes a late-night snack.


Barbacoa can you used in so many delicious dishes, taco salad, burritos, add to any flavored rice and top with barbacoa, hard shell tacos, Birria tacos, the list can go on and on


Who created Barbacoa?

Barbacoa is Spanish for barbecue. It is a way of preparing meat that originated in the Caribbean with the Taino people, who called it by the Arawak word barbaca, from which the term Barbacoa comes from, and ultimately, the word barbecue.



Ingredients Spicy Barbacoa

Beef Chuck Roast- will soak up the seasonings and spices and the shredded beef is tender

Onion & Garlic Cloves- adds sweetness from the onion and garlic minced giving a uniquely pungent flavor of nutty

Chipotle Chili in Adobo- brings heat and spice to the beef

Apple Cider Vinegar- tenderizes the beef

Lime Juice- gives the dish a little zest

Vegetable Broth- I stand by better than bouillon will add that extra depth of flavor

Bay Leaves- when infused in the broth provide a minty flavor with subtle hints of black pepper

Vegetable oil- is used to sear the beef prior to placing it in the slow cooker

Oregano, Ground Clove, &Cumin- Oregano adds a bitter bite and minty aroma, but ground clove and cumin give the dish warmth

Salt & Black Pepper- Enhances the flavor but use to taste


Let's Cook!



Step 1 Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic clove. Add them to your food processor along with the chipotles in adobo, lime juice, cumin, oregano, ground cloves, salt, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and vegetable broth. Blend it well. Set it to the side





Step 2 Clean and trim the beef. I cut them into four cubes. If you would like a larger batch of Barbacoa use more beef. Don't overcrowd your Dutch oven. Cook them in batches.




Step 3 Heat up your Dutch oven or cast iron skillet with the oil over medium heat and sear the beef on all sides, to lock in the juices.




Step 4 Place the beef in the slow cooker and pour the seasoned mixture over the beef add in the bay leaves and allow to cook on high for eight hours








Bon Appetit, ENJOY!



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1 Comment


Erik James
Erik James
Oct 24, 2022

well done !!

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Debra Johnson | Food Blogger
Hi, I'm Debra

I am happy to share quick and easy recipes that fill the belly, warms the soul, and tastes Delish!

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