This Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef is tender, juicy, and packed with bold, smoky flavors from chipotle peppers, garlic, lime, and aromatic spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads, this easy slow cooker recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal prep.
Optional: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, onion, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cloves, salt, and black pepper.
Place the seasoned beef in the slow cooker. Pour the chipotle and spice mixture over the beef.
Add beef broth and bay leaves to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until beef is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Remove beef from slow cooker and shred using two forks.
Return shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat with juices. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to absorb flavors.
Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro. Great in tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, or over rice.