These Slow Cooker Barbacoa Tacos are made with beef chuck roast that's cooked until tender! It's shredded and served with chipotle coleslaw.
These Barbacoa Tacos are just the thing to enjoy when a taco craving hits. They're made in the crockpot, shredded, and served on corn tortillas with a tangy chipotle cabbage slaw.
![These Slow Cooker Barbacoa Tacos with Chipotle Slaw are full of flavorful shredded beef that's been slow cooked in the crockpot. They're topped with slaw that's flavored with chipotle in adobo. These tacos have tons of authentic Mexican spices. They're smoky and a little spicy. This easy dinner recipe is finished with fresh toppings like cilantro. One of my favorite beef recipes! #barbacoa #beef #slowcooker #crockpot #chipotle #withslaw #coleslaw Slow cooker barbacoa beef tacos with slaw on corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, and limes.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-18.jpg)
Tacos are one of my favorite go-to meals. They are incredibly versatile and delicious in all forms. I love that you can throw any variety of roasted meats onto a tortilla, adorn it with vegetables, cheese, and sauces and chances are it will taste pretty good.
Sometimes I'm looking for tacos that are light and healthy and others I'm interested in a taco that's hearty and feels more like a meal. In that case, I look toward a recipe like this one.
It's prepared with beef chuck roast that's slow cooked along with onions, chipotle peppers, and lots of Southwest spices. The flavorful meat is shredded and then served on corn tortillas.
These shredded beef tacos are served with homemade slaw and garnished simply with diced onions, cilantro, and lime. However, you can dress them up any way you like and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Jump to:
- What Is Barbacoa?
- Ingredients For Barbacoa Tacos
- What Cut Of Meat Is Used For Barbacoa?
- How To Make Slow Cooker Barbacoa
- What Are Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce?
- How To Make Chipotle Slaw
- How To Make Shredded Beef For Tacos
- What To Serve With Barbacoa Tacos
- How Long Do Barbacoa Tacos Last In The Fridge?
- Can It Be Frozen?
- Barbacoa Tacos with Chipotle Slaw
![Cooked shredded Mexican beef on spoon lifted from slow cooker.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-11.jpg)
What Is Barbacoa?
Barbacoa is a form of cooking meat that has origins in the Caribbean and Mexico. It consists of cooking meat (sometimes the whole animal) over an open fire or by digging a hole in the ground, covering the meat, and cooking it under hot coals.
This is where the term 'barbecue' gets its name. The meat is cooked for long periods of time until tender.
This is not an authentic barbacoa recipe - It's a simplified version of the Mexican dish that's easy to make and prepared with cuts of meat and spices that are readily available in any grocery store.
Ingredients For Barbacoa Tacos
Here's what you'll need to make them.
- 2 ½ - 3 lbs. Boneless Beef Chuck Roast (or arm roast)
- ¼ cup Low Sodium Beef Broth (can sub low sodium chicken broth)
- 1 ¼ tsp. Kosher Salt (split)
- ½ tsp. Pepper
- 1 Onion (any color)
- 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp. Cumin
- 1 tsp. Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp. Dried Oregano (or Mexican oregano)
- ¼ cup Lime Juice (split)
- 1 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar (can sub white or red wine vinegar)
- 2 Chipotle Peppers In Adobo (chopped)
- 4 Tbsp. Adobo Sauce (split)
- 1 8 oz. can Tomato Sauce
- Corn Tortillas
- Onions, Cilantro, and Limes for garnish
- 1 package Bagged Coleslaw
- ½ cup Mayo
- 1 tsp. Sugar
![Raw beef chuck roast on wooden cutting board.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-600x900.jpg)
![Seasoned raw chuck roast on wooden cutting board.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-2-600x879.jpg)
What Cut Of Meat Is Used For Barbacoa?
In Mexico, barbacoa may be made with beef, goat, or lamb. In the United States (including at chain restaurants like Chipotle), barbacoa is often made with beef chuck roast, brisket, or beef cheeks.
The slow cooker is your friend when it comes to meals like this. Barbacoa works great with a large and tough cut of meat like chuck roast or arm roast. Slow roasting it for hours in a slow cooker will result in flavorful meat that shreds easily and works as a perfect filling for tacos.
Barbacoa is made with a tough cut of meat with lots of connective tissue. These cuts of meat are perfect when cooked for long periods of time because it allows the connective tissue to break down and the meat becomes tender.
I find that chuck roast is great for making barbacoa tacos. The process is much like that of making pot roast. If cooked properly, the meat becomes tender, flavorful and shreds easily.
As with any cuts of beef, it's important to season the meat properly. I recommend seasoning it generously with kosher salt and pepper before adding it to the slow cooker.
![Uncooked seasoned beef chuck roast in slow cooker.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-3-600x900.jpg)
![Uncooked spiced beef chuck roast in slow cooker.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-4-600x900.jpg)
![Uncooked beef chuck roast with diced onions in slow cooker.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-6-600x890.jpg)
![Cooked beef chuck roast in slow cooker.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-7-584x900.jpg)
How To Make Slow Cooker Barbacoa
The process of making this chuck roast barbacoa is super easy because the slow cooker does most of the work.
All that's needed is to dice an onion and add it to the chuck roast in the crockpot along with a bunch of spices and a few other ingredients.
This recipe calls for 2 ½ - 3 lbs. of beef chuck roast or arm roast.
- Start by dicing 1 onion (any color).
- Place a boneless chuck roast or arm roast onto a clean surface and sprinkle ¼ tsp. each of kosher salt and pepper evenly over the top.
- Flip the roast over and sprinkle another ¼ tsp. of kosher salt and pepper evenly over the second side.
- Pour ¼ cup of low sodium beef broth (can sub low sodium chicken broth) into a slow cooker. Place the chuck roast into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle 2 tsp. garlic powder and 1 tsp. each of cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano (or Mexican oregano) evenly over the top of the meat.
- Pour 2 Tbsp. of lime juice and 1 Tbsp. of apple cider vinegar (can sub white or red wine vinegar) over the roast.
- Mince 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add them to the slow cooker along with 2 Tbsp. of adobo sauce.
- Add all of the diced onions to the slow cooker.
- Place the lid firmly on the slow cooker and turn it on. Cook for 5-6 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low.
![Opened can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce on white surface.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-5.jpg)
What Are Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce?
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are smoked and dried jalapeno peppers that are rehydrated and canned in a puree made with tomato sauce, vinegar, and spices.
They are smoky, spicy, and tangy and add great flavor to just about anything. I love to use them to make chipotle chicken tacos, chipotle potato salad, and chipotle sour cream.
This recipe uses both the chipotle peppers and the adobo sauce to make both the beef barbacoa and the chipotle coleslaw. It's one of those simple ingredients that packs a lot of punch.
You can find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the Mexican aisle of your local grocery store. Make sure that the brand used is gluten free if gluten is an issue for you.
![These Slow Cooker Barbacoa Tacos with Chipotle Slaw are full of flavorful shredded beef that's been slow cooked in the crockpot. They're topped with slaw that's flavored with chipotle in adobo. These tacos have tons of authentic Mexican spices. They're smoky and a little spicy. This easy dinner recipe is finished with fresh toppings like cilantro. One of my favorite beef recipes! #barbacoa #beef #slowcooker #crockpot #chipotle #withslaw #coleslaw Chipotle coleslaw in ceramic bowl with spoon.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-9.jpg)
How To Make Chipotle Slaw
I am a huge fan of coleslaw, especially on tacos. The cabbage adds a great crunchy texture and the tangy chipotle dressing provides a tangy flavor that brightens up this dish.
The great thing is that the coleslaw can be prepared while the beef is cooking and can even be made the day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
You can use fresh cabbage or make it easy on yourself and use a bagged coleslaw mix.
If using fresh cabbage, use a knife to shred 6 heaping cups of green cabbage.
- To make the dressing, add ½ cup of mayo, 2-3 Tbsp. of lime juice, 2-3 Tbsp. of adobo sauce (depending on how spicy you like it), 1 tsp. of sugar, and ¼ tsp. of kosher salt in a small bowl. Stir until completely combined using a fork or a small whisk.
- Place 6 heaping cups of shredded cabbage (you can use bagged or freshly chopped cabbage) into a large bowl and pour the dressing over the top. You can use as much or as little of the dressing as you like.
- Add ¼ cup of minced cilantro to the coleslaw and stir until combined.
- Toss until the cabbage is coated in the dressing and then place in the refrigerator while the beef cooks. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
If you find that the dressing is too spicy, simply add a bit more sugar to balance it out. If you prefer a spicier dressing, add more adobo sauce.
If you would more detailed instructions, check out this recipe for Southwest Chipotle Coleslaw!
![Shredded beef chuck roast on wooden cutting board.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-8-600x900.jpg)
![Shredded beef barbacoa in slow cooker with spoon.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-10-595x900.jpg)
How To Make Shredded Beef For Tacos
I don't know about you but I always need to leave the house when there is meat in the slow cooker simply because it smells so darn good.
30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, the beef roast is removed from the crockpot, shredded, and added back to the slow cooker along with some tomato sauce and more kosher salt.
The shredded beef then cooks for an additional 30 minutes, which helps to bring all of the flavors together.
- 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time (whether cooking on Low or High), remove the beef roast, place it onto a clean plate or cutting board, and shred it with two forks. Feel free to remove any chunks of fat or gristle.
- Skim the excess fat from the slow cooker before adding the meat back into it and discard.
- Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker along with 1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce and another ½ tsp. of kosher salt. Stir until combined.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes (on Low or High).
Love slow cooker recipes? Don't miss these!
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
- Crockpot Ground Beef Chili
- Shredded Buffalo Chicken
- Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
- Chicken Potato Soup
- Crockpot Veggie Chili
- Crockpot Tortilla Soup
- Southwest Chicken Corn Soup
![These Slow Cooker Barbacoa Tacos with Chipotle Slaw are full of flavorful shredded beef that's been slow cooked in the crockpot. They're topped with slaw that's flavored with chipotle in adobo. These tacos have tons of authentic Mexican spices. They're smoky and a little spicy. This easy dinner recipe is finished with fresh toppings like cilantro. One of my favorite beef recipes! #barbacoa #beef #slowcooker #crockpot #chipotle #withslaw #coleslaw Barbacoa tacos with chipotle slaw on corn tortillas with diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-15.jpg)
What To Serve With Barbacoa Tacos
Now is the time: Tac-o-clock!
- Heat some corn tortillas (you can use flour tortillas if gluten isn't an issue for you).
- Place a generous amount of the shredded barbacoa onto each taco.
- Add a a large spoonful of the chipotle slaw onto each taco.
- Garnish with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
You can garnish these tacos any way you like. Here are some great topping ideas:
- Sliced Avocado
- Guacamole
- Poblano Avocado Sauce
- Pickled Red Onions
- Sliced Radishes
- Cashew Cilantro Sauce
- Pico de Gallo
- Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese
- Salsa or Hot Sauce
- Black Bean Corn Salad
For side dishes, you can't go wrong with some Spanish rice, refried beans, black beans or pinto beans, or charred corn salad.
![Shredded barbacoa tacos on corn tortillas with chipotle slaw, diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-16.jpg)
How Long Do Barbacoa Tacos Last In The Fridge?
The shredded barbacoa should last 3-4 days in the refrigerator stored in an airtight container.
Be sure to allow the meat to cool before transferring to the fridge for storage.
Any leftover chipotle slaw should last 2-3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best to store the meat and the coleslaw in separate containers.
Can It Be Frozen?
Yes! Slow cooker barbacoa can be frozen and enjoyed at a later time.
How To Freeze
- Prepare the beef as directed and allow it to come to room temperature before transferring to the freezer for storage.
- Once cooled, place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or freezer-safe container labeled with the date and freeze up to 3 months.
How To Thaw
- Place the frozen beef in the refrigerator for 24 hours to thaw.
- The meat can be warmed up on the stove top or in the oven heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Feel free to add some extra broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Prepare the coleslaw and any toppings right before serving these tacos.
Love tacos? Check out these recipes!
- Fish Tacos with Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
- Cajun Shrimp Tacos
- Sweet Potato Tacos with Avocado Salsa
- Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
- Roasted Veggie Tacos
- Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos
Looking For More Slow Cooker Taco Recipes? Don't Miss These!
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Tacos
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
![Slow cooker barbacoa beef tacos with slaw on corn tortillas.](https://www.therusticfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Slow-Cooker-Barbacoa-Tacos-redo-featured-300x300.jpg)
Barbacoa Tacos with Chipotle Slaw
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Barbacoa:
- 2 ½-3 lbs. beef chuck roast or arm roast
- ¼ cup low sodium beef broth or low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp. kosher salt split
- ½ tsp. pepper
- 1 onion any color
- 2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. dried oregano or Mexican oregano
- 2 Tbsp. lime juice
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar can sub white wine or red wine vinegar
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
- 2 Tbsp. adobo sauce adjust to taste
- 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 package corn tortillas can use flour if not gluten free
- diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges for garnish
For The Coleslaw:
- 5 heaping cups cabbage bagged or freshly chopped
- ½ cup mayo
- 2-3 Tbsp. lime juice
- 2-3 Tbsp. adobo sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tsp. sugar
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
For The Barbacoa:
- Dice 1 onion (any color).
- Place a boneless chuck roast or arm roast onto a clean surface and sprinkle ¼ tsp. each of kosher salt and pepper evenly over the top. Flip the roast over and sprinkle another ¼ tsp. of kosher salt and pepper evenly over the second side.
- Pour ¼ cup of low sodium beef broth (can sub low sodium chicken broth) into a slow cooker. Place the chuck roast into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle 2 tsp. garlic powder and 1 tsp. each of cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano (or Mexican oregano) evenly over the top of the meat.
- Pour 2 Tbsp. of lime juice and 1 Tbsp. of apple cider vinegar (can sub white or red wine vinegar) over the roast (this helps to tenderize the roast).
- Mince 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add them to the slow cooker along with 2 Tbsp. of adobo sauce. Add all of the diced onions to the slow cooker.
- Firmly place the lid firmly on the slow cooker and turn it on. Cook for 5-6 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low.
For The Coleslaw:
- For the dressing, add ½ cup of mayo, 2-3 Tbsp. of lime juice, 2-3 Tbsp. of adobo sauce (depending on how spicy you like it), 1 tsp. of sugar, and ¼ tsp. of kosher salt in a small bowl. Stir until completely combined using a fork or a small whisk.
- Place 6 heaping cups of shredded cabbage (you can use bagged or freshly chopped cabbage) into a large bowl and pour the dressing over the top. You can use as much or as little of the dressing as you like.
- Add ¼ cup of minced cilantro to the coleslaw and stir until combined. Place the coleslaw in the refrigerator and allow the flavors to meld.
- 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time (whether cooking on Low or High), remove the beef roast, place it onto a clean plate or cutting board, and shred it with two forks. Feel free to remove any chunks of fat or gristle and discard.
- Skim the excess fat from the slow cooker before adding the meat back into it and discard.
- Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker along with 1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce and another ½ tsp. of kosher salt. Stir until combined. Firmly place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes (on Low or High).
- To Serve: Heat some corn tortillas (you can use flour tortillas if gluten isn't an issue for you). Place a generous amount of the shredded barbacoa onto each taco. Add a a large spoonful of the chipotle slaw. Garnish with diced onions, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice and any other toppings you like (optional).
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
They look awesome! My husband would love them so flavorful due to all the nice spices and slow cooked meat!
Christine
Thanks, Nicoletta! Slow cooked meat is the best!
Megan
Do you use white or apple cider vinegar? Thanks!
Christine
Hi Megan - You can use either! I used apple cider vinegar but distilled white vinegar would work great as well.
Robbie - Caterers Yorkshire
Mexican food is my all time favourite. I've made variations of this dish in the past and i'm a huge fan. Will definitely try out your twist, anything with slow cooked meat is a great idea!
Christine
Mine, too! I could eat tacos every day. I hope you enjoy - slow cooked meat is the best!
Analida Braeger
There is nothing quote like a slow cooked beef with some awesome spices for tacos! You can feed a crowd with this dish! Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
Christine
That's true - Or you can just hog them to yourself. 🙂
Dominique | Perchance to Cook
Homemade tacos are the way to go!! Love how these require a slow cooker...the meat turns out so much more tender and flavorful that way. YUMMMM
Christine
So true - Thanks!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
I like everything about this recipe. First off that you used a slow cooker, next the barbacoa beef and lastly the slaw. It all sounds so delicious and looks fabulous! Can't wait to try it!
Christine
Thanks, Elaine!
Recipesandyou
slow cooked meat or meals are indeed most juicy and flavorful. Thanks for sharing this amazing new idea of making Tacos with slow cooked meat. Loved your idea.
Christine
Thanks so much!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks
Ha! It sounds like you need a taco intervention!! But I think you can wait until these are gone because they look amazing!
Christine
I think you're totally right! 🙂
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
I'm a sucker for slaws - what a great topping for these tacos!
Christine
Me, too! Love a good coleslaw.
Amanda Mason
This looks amazing and I've never made tacos using chuck roast. Guess what I have in my freezer right now?!?! Guess what I'm having for dinner this week?!?! Yep - printing this recipe off right now! Thanks for this!!
Christine
Awesome - Hope you enjoy!
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago
Love that you used a slow cooker for these! Perfect for taco Tuesdays!!
Christine
I think everyday is Taco Tuesday in my world. 🙂
April
I love slaw on tacos! Pork tacos are my favorite, I can just smell the wonderful spices! Nothing better than tender pork tacos!
Christine
The hardest part about slow cooker cooking is waiting to eat and being tormented by the awesome smells!
Tina Lindquist
This looks AMAZING:) I can almost smell this cooking in my crockpot now.
Christine
Thank you, Tina!
Paula
Novice chef here...
Could this be done in a pressure cooker???
Could Pork or chicken be used instead of beef or is that a whole different ballgame? Sounds delish as is, but i'm trying to accommodate non-beef eaters.
Christine
This could absolutely be made in a pressure cooker and would be much faster! Pork would be great in the slow cooker - It would be more like carnitas which are delicious. I have a similar recipe on my blog - It's titled Skillet Chipotle Chicken Tacos. This one can be made on the stove top or in the slow cooker and uses a lot of the spices in the barbacoa recipe. Here is the link: https://www.therusticfoodie.com/skillet-chipotle-chicken-tacos-with-mexican-crema/