This easy crockpot barbacoa beef is tender, juicy, and loaded with savory smoky flavor with just the right amount of spice.
It honestly tastes better than Chipotle, costs less than takeout, and works for tacos, bowls, lettuce wraps, salads, or meal prep lunches all week.
Why You'll Love This Low Carb Barbacoa
- Great for meal prep - Making a batch for the upcoming week you can turn into a variety of lunches or dinners.
- Super yummy - Bold, juicy, a tiny kick of spice, and full of flavor
- Quick and easy! - Make this recipe even easier by prepping the night before and pop it in the crock pot in the morning.
- Healthy - A great source of protein that's also low carb, gluten-free, and dairy free.
If you love Mexican food then you'll also want to try our no carb Crock Pot carnitas or this 3 ingredient Mexican shredded chicken.
I have been creating easy high protein low carb slow cooker meals since 2018, and this is one of the most popular beef recipes with readers.
If you love this low carb beef recipe, you'll also enjoy Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast, Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, or Keto Pot Roast.
Ingredients
- Chuck Roast - Other great cuts of meat that are perfect in a slow cooker are beef brisket, rump roast, or beef cheeks.
- Beef broth beef stock, bone broth, or concentrate
- Chipotle pepper sauce - If all you have is chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, just puree the chipotle peppers in the sauce in a food processor until smooth and use that.
- Garlic - garlic in a jar or frozen Dorot cubes are great too.
- Apple cider vinegar - white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar would all work well.
- Lime juice - Fresh lime juice is best, please don't use bottled. You could use orange juice in a pinch.
- Herbs & Spices - dried oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt & ground black pepper
** Please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the exact quantities **
How to Make Crockpot Barbacoa
Step 1: Place the chuck roast directly into the crockpot. If you prefer deeper flavor, sear it in a skillet first until browned on both sides.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine beef broth, chipotle sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and spices. Stir well so everything is evenly blended.
Step 3: Pour the sauce over the beef. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours until fork tender.
Step 4: Remove the beef and shred with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce so it absorbs all the flavor.
For crispy edges, spread shredded beef on a baking sheet and broil for 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Keto Barbacoa
This easy crockpot barbacoa is incredibly versatile. Keep it low carb by serving it in lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice, or in a taco bowl with shredded lettuce and fresh pico de gallo.
Topping ideas include guacamole, salsa, cilantro, adding black or pinto beans, queso fresco, pickled red onions, lime crema, or sour cream.
Storage and Freezing
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Freeze cooled shredded beef with its juices for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Is This Keto Friendly?
Yes. This recipe is naturally keto friendly, dairy free, and gluten free. Simply serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice to keep it low carb.
What cut of meat is best for barbacoa?
Chuck roast is best because it becomes tender and shreds easily after slow cooking.
Is barbacoa spicy?
It has mild to moderate heat from chipotle peppers. You can reduce the chipotle sauce for less spice.
How do I get crispy barbacoa?
After shredding, broil the beef for a few minutes to create crispy edges.
Easy Low Carb Beef Recipes
- Easy Low Carb Beef Stroganoff
- Low Carb Pepper Steak
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
- Easy Crock Pot Italian Beef
- 30 Simple Low Carb Beef Recipes
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Recipe
Easy Crock Pot Barbacoa Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Chuck Roast
- ½ cup Beef broth
- 3 tablespoons Chipotle pepper sauce
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons Cumin
- 2 teaspoons Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chuck roast in the crockpot
- In a small bowl, combine the broth, chipotle sauce, garlic, vinegar, lime juice, and spices.
- Pour on top of the beef.
- Cover and cook for 8 hours.
- Remove the beef from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board.
- Shred the beef with two forks.
- Add back the shredded beef in the slow cooker and mix the rest of the sauce.
- Serve on top of rice or use it for filling tacos.
Notes
- For delicious crispy browned beef bits, briefly sear beef chuck roast in a pan before adding to the slow cooker.
- Slow-cook beef barbacoa in a Dutch oven as well. Season and sear the beef on the stovetop before adding the rest of the ingredients. Coat the meat well in the sauce, cover, and slow cook in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 2.5-3 hours or until the meat is fall apart tender.
Nutrition
Carey Clark says
The second-last instruction says to mix "the rest of the sauce." Do you just mean that you should mix the shredded beef in with the sauce in the crockpot? Or is the recipe missing something?