Slow Cooker Honey Chipotle Beef Barbacoa

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

Beef

• 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks)

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)

Honey Chipotle Sauce

• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo (chopped) + 2 tbsp adobo sauce

• ¼ cup honey

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 cup beef broth

• Optional: ½ tsp chili powder for extra heat

• Optional: 1 small onion, diced

Instructions

1. (Optional) Brown the Beef First

For deeper flavor:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet.

2. Sear beef chunks 2–3 minutes per side until browned.

3. Transfer to slow cooker.
   (If you’re short on time, skip this—still delicious.)

2. Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:
Chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, vinegar, lime juice, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and beef broth.

Pour over the beef in the slow cooker.

3. Slow Cook

• Cook on LOW 7–8 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours, until beef is fall-apart tender.

• Shred beef using two forks.

• Stir the shredded meat back into the sauce and let it sit 10 minutes to soak up flavor.

Serving Ideas

• Tacos: warm tortillas, cilantro, onions, cotija, lime

• Burrito bowls: rice, beans, corn, avocado

• Nachos: melted cheese, pico, sour cream

• Quesadillas: stuffed with barbacoa + cheese

• Baked potatoes: spooned inside with sour cream

Approximate Calories

Around 340–390 calories per serving (4–6 oz portion, depending on fat content of roast).