Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Mexican culinary paradise with the most mouthwatering, fall-apart tender barbacoa beef you've ever tasted! This slow cooker recipe is about to become your new obsession, delivering restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with irresistible aromas of perfectly seasoned beef that practically melts in your mouth - this isn't just a meal, it's a flavor experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (or cauliflower rice)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Avocado slices for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the beef chuck roast by patting it dry with paper towels and generously seasoning with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano on all sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and apple cider vinegar to create a marinade. Pour the marinade over the seasoned beef, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Place the marinated beef chuck roast into the slow cooker, making sure it sits flat at the bottom of the pot.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the beef for 8 hours, allowing the meat to become tender and easily shreddable.
- After 8 hours, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and transfer to a large cutting board. Using two forks, shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix with the remaining cooking juices to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- While the beef is resting, prepare the rice according to package instructions. For a low-carb option, substitute with cauliflower rice.
- Assemble the burrito bowls by placing a base of rice in each serving bowl, then topping with the shredded barbacoa beef.
- Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped cilantro and sliced avocado. Serve immediately while the beef is warm.
Tips
- Choose the right cut of meat: Chuck roast is ideal for slow cooking, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Don't rush the cooking process: The 8-hour slow cook is crucial for breaking down tough meat fibers and developing deep, rich flavors.
- For extra moisture, baste the meat occasionally during cooking if possible.
- If you're short on time, you can also prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot, reducing cooking time to about 60-75 minutes.
- Make extra beef and store in the refrigerator - it's perfect for quick meals throughout the week and tastes even better the next day!
- For a low-carb version, swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice without compromising on taste.
- Fresh garnishes like cilantro and avocado are not just decorative - they add crucial freshness and balance to the rich, savory beef.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
