Slow Cooker Barbacoa Recipe: Chipotle-Style Beef for Tacos

Chipotle is one of my favorite fast-casual spots when I want a meal that’s quick, flavorful, and easy to fit into a Weight Watchers plan. My go-to protein there is barbacoa — a tender, smoky “Mexican barbecue” beef that’s absolutely delicious.

After researching the typical ingredients and flavors in Chipotle’s barbacoa, I developed a slow cooker version that replicates that taste while keeping the recipe simple and Weight Watchers–friendly. It took a couple of tries to get the balance right, but the result is a rich, tender barbacoa that I’m proud to say comes very close to the original.

This Chipotle copycat slow cooker barbacoa delivers melt-in-your-mouth, juicy shredded beef with bold, savory flavor. It’s incredibly versatile: use it in burritos, tacos, bowls, salads, or serve it on its own. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

slow cooker barbacoa

Chipotle Copycat Slow Cooker Barbacoa Recipe

Calories:
308 kcal
Carbohydrates:
2.5 g
Fat:
11 g
Protein:
38 g
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Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
8 hrs
Total Time
8 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients

Servings:
10
  • 3 lbs chuck roastfat trimmed, cut into chunks
  • 1 medium oniondiced
  • 4 oz diced green chiles1 can
  • 2-3 chipotles in adobo saucechopped
  • 6 cloves garlicminced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp coriander
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Juice from 3 limes
  • ½ cup fat free beef broth

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and toss gently to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until the meat is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  • Remove the meat and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the cooking juices.
  • Serve with a slotted spoon, tongs, or fork. Enjoy in tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads.

Equipment

1 Slow Cooker

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5 cup of shredded meat
Calories: 308 kcal (15%)
Carbohydrates: 2.5 g (1%)
Protein: 38 g (76%)
Fat: 11 g (17%)
Fiber: 0 g

Course:
Dinner Recipes, Main Course Recipes
Cuisine:
Mexican Recipes
Diet:
Low Calorie Recipes
Keyword:
Chipotle Copycat Slow Cooker Barbacoa
Cooking Method:
Slow Cooker Recipes
Main Ingredient:
Beef Recipes


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