Slow Cooked Barbacoa Tacos with Cilantro, Onion, and Lime (30 Minutes + Slow Cook Time)

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Slow cooked barbacoa tacos offer a tantalizing blend of tender, flavorful meat and fresh, vibrant toppings.

This dish features beef that is slow-cooked until it’s meltingly tender, seasoned with a rich mix of spices and chilies that infuse it with deep, smoky flavors.

Paired with the freshness of cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime, these tacos provide a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that are sure to satisfy.

Perfect for a family meal or a social gathering, these tacos are not only delicious but also easy to prepare and serve.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the barbacoa:

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 chipotles in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 1 white onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup beef broth

For serving:

  • Corn tortillas, warmed
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • White onion, finely chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the beef (10 minutes): Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks. Season all sides with salt and pepper. Place the beef in the slow cooker.
  • Mix the marinade (5 minutes): In a bowl, combine garlic, chipotles, onion, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and cloves. Stir to mix thoroughly. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Add beef broth to cover the meat partially.
  • Cook the barbacoa (8 hours): Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the meat is very tender and falls apart easily. Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Remove the bay leaves.
  • Assemble the tacos (10 minutes): Heat the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or over an open flame until warm and slightly charred. Place a generous amount of shredded barbacoa on each tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
  • Serve (5 minutes): Serve the tacos hot, accompanied by additional lime wedges and salsa or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Slow cooked barbacoa tacos are an excellent choice for any taco night, combining the robust flavors of barbacoa with the bright, fresh elements of cilantro and lime.

For an even richer flavor, allow the beef to marinate overnight before cooking.

To keep the tortillas warm and pliable, wrap them in a cloth or keep them in a tortilla warmer while assembling the tacos.

These tacos are perfect for a casual dinner or can be dressed up for a festive occasion.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/slow-cooked-barbacoa-tacos-with-cilantro-onion-and-lime-30-minutes-slow-cook-time/