Easy Beef Barbacoa Bowl
This Easy Beef Barbacoa Bowl is a flavorful, hearty, and customizable meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Juicy, tender shredded beef is seasoned with a blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection, served over a bed of rice, and topped with fresh and vibrant ingredients like salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
The rich and smoky flavors of the barbacoa beef combined with the tangy freshness of lime and cilantro create a bowl that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s easy to make, versatile, and loaded with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Tools to Use
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Forks for shredding
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Beef Barbacoa:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Slow Cook the Beef:
- Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker. Add garlic, chipotle pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, ground cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Beef:
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the beef in the slow cooker. Let it sit in the juices for an additional 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with shredded beef, black beans, corn, salsa, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve:
- Garnish with lime wedges and serve warm.
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Easy Beef Barbacoa Bowl
Equipment
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Forks for shredding
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ingredients:
Ingredients
- For the Beef Barbacoa:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast trimmed and cut into large chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Bowls:
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Slow Cook the Beef:
- Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker. Add garlic, chipotle pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, ground cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Beef:
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the beef in the slow cooker. Let it sit in the juices for an additional 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with shredded beef, black beans, corn, salsa, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve:
- Garnish with lime wedges and serve warm.
Tips for Cooking
- Use an Instant Pot: If you’re short on time, cook the beef in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 60 minutes with a natural release.
- Adjust the Spice: Add more or fewer chipotle peppers depending on your spice preference.
- Meal Prep: Store the beef and toppings separately for easy meal prep. Assemble the bowls when ready to eat.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Beef Barbacoa Bowl is packed with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, making it a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal anytime.
Whether you’re hosting a taco night or meal prepping for the week, this Easy Beef Barbacoa Bowl is a must-try. With tender, juicy beef and vibrant toppings, it’s a dish that will keep everyone coming back for more!
