Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef – Easy Meal Prep for Tacos, Bowls & Burritos!

Introduction

Imagine coming home to a delicious, slow-cooked meal that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, and burritos. Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is a game-changer for busy households, offering a flavorful and easy meal prep solution using everyday ingredients. This traditional Mexican dish is made with tender beef, spices, and a blend of chilies, resulting in a rich, depthful flavor that will leave you craving more. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for impressive results.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of spices, chilies, and beef creates a well-balanced flavor profile that’s both authentic and delicious. Plus, the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Simply brown the beef, add the ingredients to the slow cooker, and let it cook all day. It’s a hassle-free meal prep solution that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the minimal effort required, the end result is a mouth-watering, fall-apart beef that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, and burritos. Your family and friends will love it!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef brisket or beef shank, cut into large pieces
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 dried arbol chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Warm tortillas, for serving
• Optional toppings: diced onions, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced onions to the skillet and cook until they’re translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Step 3: In the slow cooker, combine the browned beef, cooked onions and garlic, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Step 4: Add the dried arbol and guajillo chilies to the slow cooker, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
5. Step 5: After 8-10 hours, remove the chilies from the slow cooker and discard them. Shred the beef with two forks and return it to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the beef is heated through.
6. Step 6: Serve the barbacoa beef in warm tortillas, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, diced onions, and your choice of toppings.

Handy Tips

• To add more flavor to the dish, use beef broth instead of water or add a splash of red wine to the slow cooker.
• If you can’t find dried arbol or guajillo chilies, you can substitute them with dried ancho or mulato chilies.
• To make the dish more substantial, serve the barbacoa beef with roasted vegetables, Mexican street corn, or Spanish rice.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for cooking the barbacoa beef is low and slow, between 275°F and 300°F. This will ensure that the beef is tender and falls apart easily. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more cayenne pepper or use hot sauce to taste.

Crunch Factor

The texture of the barbacoa beef should be tender and fall-apart, with a slight crunch from the onions and cilantro. To achieve this, make sure to cook the beef for the full 8-10 hours and shred it with two forks before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make the dish more efficient, brown the beef and cook the onions in advance, then store them in the refrigerator overnight and assemble the slow cooker in the morning.
• To add more depth to the dish, use a mixture of beef broth and red wine to cook the beef, or add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.
• To make the dish more visually appealing, garnish the barbacoa beef with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Storage Tips

• The barbacoa beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm the beef in the microwave or on the stovetop, then serve.
• To make the dish more convenient, portion the barbacoa beef into individual containers and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for up to 3 months.
• To make the dish more shelf-stable, can the barbacoa beef in a pressure canner or water bath canner, following safe canning procedures.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to gift the barbacoa beef to friends or family, consider packaging it in a decorative jar or container with a label and instructions for reheating. You can also include a packet of tortillas, a sprinkle of cheese, and a few toppings to make it a complete gift.

Flavor Variations

• To make the dish more spicy, add more cayenne pepper or use hot sauce to taste.
• To make the dish more smoky, add a splash of liquid smoke or use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
• To make the dish more herby, add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley to the barbacoa beef before serving.

Troubleshooting

• If the beef is tough or dry, it may be overcooked. Try cooking it for a shorter amount of time or using a more tender cut of beef.
• If the flavors are dull or uninspiring, try adding more spices or using a different type of chili pepper.
• If the dish is too spicy, try adding a splash of dairy or serving it with a side of rice or bread to balance the heat.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the barbacoa beef can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply portion it into individual containers and store them in the freezer.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, the barbacoa beef is gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is a delicious and easy meal prep solution that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, and burritos. With its rich, depthful flavor and tender texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a busy parent or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe is a great way to add some excitement to your meal routine. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexico in the comfort of your own home!