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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Beef » Chipotle Beef Barbacoa (Crock Pot / Slow Cooker)

Chipotle Beef Barbacoa (Crock Pot / Slow Cooker)

by Sarah Olson on December 27, 2021 24 Comments

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Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa
collage of chipotle barbacoa photos for pinterest

Make this recipe for Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa right in your slow cooker. This recipe has a few interesting ingredients to give its unique flavor.

Shredded beef is the best thing to come out of the slow cooker. Whether it be this chipotle barbacoa or my Beef and Onion Chuck Roast. Chuck Roast in the slow cooker always turns out tender.

Shredded Chipotle Barbacoa in slow cooker

Do you love Chipotle as much as I do? Then you will love this Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa recipe I make in my slow cooker.

We eat Chipotle one night a week, no joke. I LOVE their Barbacoa. If you don’t know what Barbacoa is, I would describe it as a Mexican shredded beef. When I make this at home I can eat it for lunch the next day too! You can see over at Chipotle’s Website (click on barbacoa) that my recipe has everything that they put in theirs!

What does Barbacoa mean?

Barbacoa means “Barbecue” in Spanish. It also describes the Mexican cooking of meat (beef or lamb) that has been slowly cooked with seasonings and is usually shredded. The dish barbacoa originated in Mexico.

How to make Chipotle Barbacoa in the crockpot:

Ingredients

ingredients for barbacoa in front of slow cooker
  • Beef Chuck Roast – Chuck roast has the most flavoring than other roasts and melts in your mouth!
  • Chipotle Peppers in Adobo – This adds smoke flavor and HEAT! Don’t go crazy and add extra unless you can handle spicy foods.
  • Ground Cloves – This is one flavor I was shocked was in barbacoa, but really makes it special and just like Chipotle.
  • Other ingredients to not be forgotten – Sweet onion, garlic, cumin, bay leaves, oregano, salt, pepper, cooking oil and water (or beef broth).
portioned out ingredients for barbacoa

Step-by-Step Directions

chipotle barbacoa meat in slow cooker raw

Step One – Sear your meat on both sides. Do this by heating a skillet over medium high heat, add a touch of cooking il. When the oil is hot, brown all the sides of your roast. Add the meat and other ingredients to your slow cooker.

Step Two -Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 8-10. This recipe has plenty of liquid so it’s a great recipe to leave all day without worrying that it will dry up and burn.

Step Three – Shred the meat with two forks and serve!

cooked and whole chuck roast

How do I make this less spicy?

  • Barbacoa is made spicy by the chipotle peppers and is the main ingredient for the flavor of this recipe.
  • If you can’t handle the heat you can cut this in half. If you omit this completely you will not have the true Chipotle flavored barbacoa.
shredded chipotle barbacoa in slow cooker

Sides to make with Chipotle Barbacoa (more copycat recipes!)

  • Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice – really great for any Mexican meal.
  • Copycat Chipotle Guacamole – I use this recipe often!
  • Copycat Chipotle Fresh Tomato Salsa – Very colorful and flavorful this is Pico De Gallo
  • Slow Cooker Pinto Beans – This is my spicy pinto bean recipe!
sides for barbacoa

What can I do with this meat?

  • Burritos
  • Tacos
  • Burrito Bowls
  • Can even be put into enchiladas or quesadillas.
chipotle barbacoa meat on tortilla

Recipes FAQs and Expert Tips

What does barbacoa taste like?

Barbacoa should melt in your mouth, it’s so tender! It has chipotle pepper flavoring along with a touch of cloves.

How do I shred meat I made a slow cooker?

Using two forks, shred the beef right in the slow cooker. Discard any fatty pieces.

Can I make Chicken Barbacoa?

Chicken breasts or thighs can be used instead of a beef chuck roast. You will need to add more salt if you use chicken for it has less flavor than a chuck roast.

Should I sear my beef?

Yes! For this recipe, I really think it adds more flavor to the dish and makes it taste just like Chipotle’s Barbacoa.

How can I make my meat less greasy?

If desired, after cooking lay a paper towel over the sauce to degrease it. Pull the paper towel away quickly and discard it.

Storage instructions

The leftover meat can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Can I cook barbacoa in an instant pot?

Yes! Sear your beef in the instant pot then then the rest of the ingredients (plus an extra 1/2 cup of water). Place the lid on the pot and seal, make sure your vent is on the closed position. Pressure cook on HIGH for 70 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.

What flavors can I add to this to make it more Authentic?

If you want a more authentic Mexican flavor, add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and the juice of half a lime. This will change the flavor from Chipotle’s recipe, though will taste more authentic.

chipotle barbcoa burrito with guacamole and sour cream on top

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chipotle barbcoa burrito

Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe

5 from 15 votes
Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa made in the slow cooker with chipotle peppers, cloves and garlic!
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 hours
Total Time: 10 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 348kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs. beef chuck roast
  • 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. dried leaf oregano (not ground)
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 chipotle peppers minced(from a can of chipotle peppers)
  • 1 Tbsp. adobo sauce (this is the sauce from the can of chipotle peppers)
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup water (or beef broth)
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot add the oil. Brown the chuck roast on all sides, then add the roast to the slow cooker
  • Sprinkle the roast with the salt, oregano, cumin and cloves. Add the bay leaves, minced garlic, onions, minced chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce (that's from the can of peppers) on top the roast. Add the water around the sides of the roast.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours, without opening the lid during the cooking time.
  • When the roast is done cooking, remove and discard the bay leaves. Shred the meat with 2 forks. If the meat is really fatty, I do the shredding on a plate so I can pick out the fatty pieces and discard them. Add the shredded meat back into the juices in the slow cooker.
  • Serve and enjoy!
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

How can I make this less spicy?
  • Barbacoa is made spicy by the chipotle peppers and is the main ingredient for the flavor of this recipe.
  • If you can’t handle the heat you can cut this in half. If you omit this completely you will not have the true Chipotle flavored barbacoa.
What can I make with this meat?
  • Burritos
  • Tacos
  • Burrito Bowls
  • Can even be put into enchiladas or quesadillas
Can I use chicken instead of beef for barbacoa?
  • Chicken breasts or thighs can be used instead of a beef chuck roast.
  • You will need to add more salt if you use chicken for it has less flavor than a chuck roast.
 

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 863mg | Potassium: 565mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

Other Mexican style recipes to make in the slow cooker:

  • Slow Cooker Chile Verde
  • Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Fajitas
  • Slow Cooker Smothered Beef Burritos
  • Slow Cooker Refried Beans
  • Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

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    6162 shares
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    Filed Under: Beef, Dinner

    Comments

    1. Kelly says

      February 24, 2022 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy and delicious! THANK you for a great recipe.

      Reply
    2. Mk says

      June 16, 2020 at 8:03 pm

      When is the onion needed?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        June 17, 2020 at 8:38 am

        Add at the beginning of the cook time.

        Reply
    3. Tony Evaldez says

      May 28, 2020 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      Sarah, thank you so much for this delicious recipe. We had a hearty dinner. Everybody in our family loves it. We ate it with an 8 inch round flour tortilla, salsa and sour cream. I didn’t have a guacamole but it is still a killer.

      Reply
    4. Dan says

      May 4, 2020 at 11:33 am

      Can i cook this with some thick slices of green peppers in the crockpot?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        May 4, 2020 at 6:48 pm

        Yes! Will work great!

        Reply
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