Description
Mexican barbacoa brings bold, tender beef to your plate with minimal effort. Juicy, spice-laden meat melts perfectly over rice or tucked into warm tortillas for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3.5 pounds (1.59 kilograms) boneless chuck roast
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low sodium beef broth
- 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare a heavy-bottomed skillet by heating it to high temperature with a drizzle of cooking oil, creating a robust searing environment for the beef roast.
- Carefully transfer the roast to the scorching pan, developing a rich caramelized exterior by browning each side methodically until a deep golden crust forms.
- Craft a dynamic spice blend combining robust seasonings like earthy chili powder, pungent garlic granules, aromatic cumin, and smoky paprika to intensify the meat’s flavor profile.
- Massage the meticulously prepared spice mixture thoroughly into every surface of the roast, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum taste penetration.
- Position the seasoned roast inside the slow cooker and delicately pour warm beef broth around the meat, creating a moisture-rich cooking environment.
- Allow the roast to gently simmer on low heat for approximately 8 hours, transforming the tough cut into an incredibly tender, succulent protein.
- Once the meat reaches fork-tender consistency, utilize two forks to methodically pull and shred the roast directly within the cooking liquid.
- Elevate the final dish by drizzling fresh lime juice over the shredded meat and generously garnishing with vibrant, chopped cilantro.
- Serve the barbacoa as a versatile filling for tacos, burritos, or atop fluffy rice, creating a memorable and authentic Mexican-inspired meal.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by generously searing the chuck roast until a dark, caramelized crust forms on all sides before slow cooking.
- Adjust spice levels by customizing the seasoning blend, reducing chili powder for milder taste or adding extra for more heat.
- Enhance texture by trimming excess fat from the roast, ensuring leaner and more tender meat after slow cooking.
- Boost meal versatility by reserving cooking liquid as a rich sauce for drizzling over finished dishes or using as a flavor-packed cooking base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg