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Barbacoa tacos lined up.
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4.50 from 10 votes

Barbacoa (True Texas Style)

This slow cooker barbacoa is a true Texas taco shop classic—made simple by using beef chuck roast. It’s tender, juicy, and perfect for stuffing into warm tortillas for authentic barbacoa tacos at home.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 5 minutes
Course: main dish
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex Mex
Servings: 8
Author: Serene

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp oil canola, vegetable, avocado
  • 2 pounds beef cheeks or beef chuck roast
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ½ onion quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic smashed
  • 2 bayleaves

Instructions

  • Chop the beef into 1-2 inch chunks, pat dry and sprinkle with salt.
    Raw chuck roast cut into 1-2 inch pieces.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, sear the meat briefly on all sides. Careful not to crowd the pan. Continue until all meat is seared.
    Seared chuck roast in a skillet.
  • Place the beef into the bottom of the slow cooker. 
    Seared chuck roast in a slow cooker.
  •  Add in the quartered onion and smashed garlic cloves. Top with the bay leaves. 
    Seared chuck roast in a slow cooker with onion, garlic, and bay leaves.
  • Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until the meat easily shreds. Remove the bay leaves and large pieces of onion.
  • Shred the meat. Return the meat to the slow cooker, stir into the juices. Let cook for another 20-30 minutes on LOW. 
    Shredded barbacoa
  • Serve warm on corn tortillas to make street tacos.
    Barbacoa tacos.

Video

Notes

Make Ahead:
Shred and store in an airtight container with its juices to keep the meat flavorful and moist.
Freezer Friendly:
Cool completely. Portion into freezer bags or containers (with sauce!) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat Like a Pro:
Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water. Keeps the beef juicy!
Quick Meal Ideas:
  • Add to corn tortillas with diced onion + Cilantro (classic street tacos!)
  • Build high-protein rice bowls with beans and greens
  • Layer into quesadillas or enchiladas
  • Top baked sweet potatoes for a fast lunch
Beef Cheeks:
If you are able to find beef cheeks at your local market, add some in with the chuck roast for ultra tender meat! 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 221kcal | Protein: 23g | Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 280mg