Easy Slow Cooker Mexican Barbacoa Tacos

Savory Mexican barbacoa tacos made easy in a slow cooker.

Savor the deliciousness of Mexican Barbacoa Tacos, made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This recipe features tender chuck steak, infused with a rich blend of spices, and is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve these flavorful tacos with fresh toppings like avocado and feta cheese.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Servings: 6 tacos

Full Ingredient List

  • 1 lb chuck steak
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 Tbsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 onion, chopped
  • 6 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup lettuce
  • 10 grape tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 small avocado
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta

Barbacoa

Tools and Equipment

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
1 lb Chuck steak
1 cup Beef broth Vegetable broth, Chicken broth
1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup Tomato sauce
1/4 cup Lime juice
2 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Dried thyme
1 Tbsp Cumin powder
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
Pinch Salt
1 Tbsp Black pepper
1/4, chopped Onion

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the chuck steak in the slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Mix the broth, vinegar, tomato sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, dried thyme, cumin powder, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper together.
  3. Step 3: Pour the mixture over the steak in the slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Add half of the chopped onion to the slow cooker. (Tips: Ensure the onion is distributed evenly.)
  5. Step 5: Cook on low for 5 hours or until the meat is fork-tender. (Tips: The slower you cook, the more tender the meat will be.)

Taco Assembly

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
6 Corn tortillas Heat before serving
1 cup Lettuce Chop
10, chopped Grape tomatoes
1 small Avocado Slice
1/4 cup Crumbled feta

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the corn tortillas. (Tips: Warm tortillas bring out the flavors better.)
  2. Step 2: Top each tortilla with lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, the remaining chopped onion, and crumbled feta. (Tips: Assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.)
  3. Step 3: Slice the cooked chuck steak and add to each taco. (Tips: Optionally, shred the meat for a more traditional texture.)

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 301 kcal
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber:
  • Sugar:

Additional Information

Notes: The nutritional information is per taco. Adjust the toppings according to preference.

Background: Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish typically involving slow-cooked meat with a variety of spices. Its origins trace back to Caribbean indigenous people, where it referred to the method of cooking meat over an open fire. In Mexican cuisine, it has evolved to involve cooking meat slowly until it is tender.

Geographic Region: Mexico

Seasonality: All year round

Occasion: Family Dinner

Recommended Pairings

  • Mexican rice
  • Pico de gallo

Tags

Mexican Tacos Slow Cooker Weeknight Dinner Gluten Free Family-Friendly