Name: Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3-4 pound beef chuck roast; 1 small yellow onion (sliced); 5 cloves garlic (minced); ½ cup beef broth; 2 limes, juiced (about 4 tablespoons); ½ tablespoon ground oregano; 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons garlic salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; Liquid from 7 ounce can of chipotles in adobo; 2 bay leaves

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about that juicy, smoky, and perfectly spiced barbacoa from your favorite burrito spot, get ready to bring it right to your own kitchen! This Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa recipe is pure magic: tender, deeply flavorful beef that gently simmers in a vibrant blend of spices and aromatics, with practically no effort required. Perfect for taco nights, burrito bowl feasts, or meal prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes for taste, convenience, and outright deliciousness. Trust me, your slow cooker and your taste buds are about to become best friends.

Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of key ingredients, this recipe transforms humble beef into something truly special. Each element here is chosen to play up the iconic flavors and luscious texture that define a true Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa. Here’s what you’ll need and why it makes all the difference:

Beef chuck roast: Marbled and perfect for slow-cooking, this cut delivers that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Yellow onion: Adds a tasty depth of flavor and gentle sweetness to the sauce.
Garlic: Essential for a rich, aromatic foundation that seeps into every bite.
Beef broth: Infuses the meat with savory moisture and creates a succulent base for the cooking liquid.
Lime juice: Brightens the whole dish and balances out the richness with tangy freshness.
Oregano: Provides an earthy, herbaceous note that rounds out the spice blend.
Cumin: Adds a smoky, nutty undertone that’s key to authentic barbacoa flavor.
Garlic salt: Delivers an extra punch of garlicky goodness and the perfect amount of seasoning.
Black pepper: Lends a subtle warmth and mild heat that complements the other spices.
Ground cloves: Just a pinch layers in that gentle, mysterious hint of sweetness you’ll love in this Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa.
Liquid from canned chipotles in adobo: Smoky, spicy, and completely addictive — this ingredient seals the deal on flavor.
Bay leaves: Infuse the meat with subtle, aromatic herbal notes that make the whole dish pop.

How to Make Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa

Step 1: Prepare the Beef in the Slow Cooker

Starting with a good-sized chuck roast, simply place it right into your slow cooker. This is the foundation for your Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa, and there’s truly no need to brown the meat first — the long, slow cooking does all the work for you.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Layer on the sliced onion and minced garlic over the beef. As these cook down, they’ll release all their flavor into the rich, meaty juices, infusing every strand of beef with irresistible savory notes.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquids

Pour the beef broth and freshly squeezed lime juice right over the top. The broth bathes the meat as it cooks while the lime juice brings just the right amount of citrusy zip to keep things fresh and balanced.

Step 4: Season Generously

Sprinkle the oregano, cumin, garlic salt, black pepper, and just a bit of ground cloves directly over the beef. Don’t be shy with these seasonings — they’re what transform the roast into crowd-pleasing barbacoa!

Step 5: Add the Chipotle Magic

Pour all the liquid from your can of chipotles in adobo right into the slow cooker. This spicy-sweet sauce builds that smoky, peppery background flavor you’ll crave in your chipotle-style barbacoa. Toss in the bay leaves for good measure.

Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender

Set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours, depending on your schedule. The beef should become so tender that it practically shreds itself — that’s when you know it’s done!

Step 7: Shred and Return to Sauce

Carefully remove the cooked beef and shred it using two forks (or meat claws if you have them), discarding any large pieces of fat. Once shredded, return the meat to all those delicious juices in the slow cooker to soak up maximum flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle your Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa into your favorite tortillas or over burrito bowls, and dig in! Whether you go classic or creative, it’s destined to be a hit.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa

Garnishes

The crowning touch for any serving is the garnishing. Top your Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa with fresh cilantro, finely diced onions, sliced radishes, pickled red onions, crumbled cotija, or a generous squeeze of lime—each brings a burst of color, crunch, and bold flavor to contrast the rich, savory beef.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with all the Tex-Mex classics. Think cilantro-lime rice, Mexican street corn, black beans, or a bright, juicy tomato salsa. Each side enhances the barbacoa and helps you build out the ultimate home taco night spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond tacos or burritos! Pile the Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa onto tostadas, load it into quesadillas, stack it on top of cheesy nachos, or even build hearty barbacoa sliders for your next party. The options are truly only limited by your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of your Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa (which, honestly, is half the fun), simply allow the beef to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it’ll keep perfectly for up to four days, making for speedy lunches and stress-free dinners all week long.

Freezing

To save your barbacoa for later, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers (along with a bit of its juices). It will hold up beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for a meal that tastes like you cooked all day, just thaw and reheat!

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat your Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions, keeping it covered to prevent drying out. It’ll be just as delicious as day one.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While a chuck roast is my favorite for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, cuts like brisket or even bottom round can work. Just keep in mind leaner cuts may not turn out quite as juicy as classic barbacoa.

Is this recipe spicy?

The liquid from chipotles in adobo brings heat, but the spice level is moderate and balanced by the beef and other flavors. For extra heat, stir in a chopped chipotle pepper or two from the can, or leave them out for a milder version.

Can I make Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa ahead of time?

Yes! This dish actually gets even better as the flavors meld. Prepare it the day before or make a big batch for meal prep. Just reheat gently and you’re good to go.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

No slow cooker? No problem! You can replicate this recipe in a Dutch oven by braising in a low oven (about 300°F) for 3–4 hours, or use a pressure cooker for a faster result. Adapt to whatever tools you have on hand!

Do I need to sear the beef first?

Not at all! This Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa develops deep flavor just by slow cooking with all the aromatics and spices, so you get incredible results without the extra step.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa and see just how simple it is to bring restaurant-worthy flavor to your home kitchen. From weeknight dinners to easy entertaining, one batch will soon become a go-to favorite. Gather your ingredients and get ready to impress both yourself and your family—the ultimate barbacoa awaits!

Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa that is easy to make and perfect for a flavorful meal.

Instructions

Add the chuck roast to your crock pot. Top it with the slices onions and garlic.
Pour the beef broth and lime juice into the slow cooker.
Sprinkle the meat with spices, including oregano, cumin, garlic salt, pepper, and ground cloves.
Pour all the liquid from the can of chipotles in adobo sauce over the meat.
Add the 2 bay leaves.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours until the meat is tender and falls apart.
Remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker and shred it. The beef chunks should shred easily using meat claws or two forks.
Discard big pieces of fat and return the shredded beef to the slow cooker.
Serve this beef on burrito bowls or in tacos.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican