Barbacoa Beef Tacos are a delightful and flavorful dish rooted deeply in Mexican culinary traditions. Barbacoa, traditionally made with lamb or goat, has become popular worldwide using beef. The meat is slow-cooked until tender, infused with spices and herbs, and perfect for tacos. This dish is cherished for its rich flavors and melt-in-the-mouth texture, making it a favorite for gatherings and special occasions.
Servings: Serves 6 people
Appliances/Utensils:
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions:
1. Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast using sharp knives on a cutting board.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground black pepper, salt, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and chopped chipotle peppers.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the beef, ensuring it’s well-coated.
4. Place the seasoned beef in a slow cooker. Add the beef broth and bay leaf.
5. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
6. Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it using a wooden spoon and spatula.
7. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix with the cooking juices.
8. Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet or in the oven.
9. Serve the shredded Barbacoa beef on the warm tortillas and add your choice of toppings.
Tips and Suggestions:
- For a spicier kick, add more chipotle peppers or a splash of hot sauce.
- To make the dish gluten-free, ensure the tortillas and all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- You can also use a food processor to blend the spices and chipotle peppers for a smoother marinade.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for an authentic taste. A side of Mexican rice or black beans pairs beautifully with these tacos.
Estimated Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes