Slow Cooker Barbacoa

Step 1

Generously season the beef roast on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place in the bottom of a large slow cooker.

Step 2

In a small or regular food processor, pulse the garlic until chopped. Add the cilantro leaves and pulse until minced. Add the chipotle peppers plus adobo sauce, lime juice, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, garlic salt, and oregano. Secure lid and process until just blended. (Alterntively, you may use a knife to mince the garlic, cilantro, and chipotle(s), then stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined.)

Step 3

Spread half of the chipotle mixture over the top of the roast. Carefully flip the roast over and spread the remaining mixture over the other side. Pour the beef broth and beer into the bottom of the slow cooker (without washing the chipotle mixture off the roast). Drop in the bay leaf. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or until fall-apart tender.

Step 4

Remove the roast to a cutting board. Skim fat from the top of the cooking liquid, if necessary, and remove the bay leaf. Slice the beef into chunks and then shred into pieces with two forks, removing and discarding any fat. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker, stir to soak up the liquid, and reheat until warm. Serve as a filling for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, or on top of a rice bowl or salad. Refrigerate the leftover meat in the reserved cooking liquid.