Best Ever Crockpot Beef Barbacoa (Keto & Healthy!)

If you have ever had tender, juicy, slow-cooked barbacoa, you know ridiculously flavorful it is.

The kind of beef that practically melts apart with just a nudge of a fork and is soaked in smoky, spicy, tangy goodness.

And guess what?

You do not need to go to an expensive restaurant, nor does it take a whole afternoon standing in the kitchen, to get this.

This slow-cooked Mexican beef barbacoa is not only delicious but also happens to be low-carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free.

Oh, and, yes, did I mention it’s packed with protein?

Whether one is eating carnivore diet, high-protein, moderate-protein, or high-fat, this dish fits just about everyone.

Plus, it’s the perfect slow cooker dinner—because the longer you can cook it, the better it gets!

What You’ll Need

Before we get into the step-by-step magic, here’s everything you’ll need to make this slow cooker beef barbacoa:

For the Barbacoa Beef:

• 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast (brisket works too if you want that extra fork-tender bite)
• 3 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil, whatever’s handy)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (fresh garlic = the best flavor boost)
• 1 small onion, diced (yellow or white works!)
• 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adds smoky heat, so adjust based on spice preference)
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can—don’t skip this, it’s pure flavor!)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lime juice for a citrusy punch)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth)
• 1 cup beef broth (or bone broth for even more protein)
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp smoked paprika (a little extra smokiness never hurt anyone)
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste, but remember, slow cooking concentrates flavors!)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp ground cloves (optional, but highly recommended for authentic Mexican flavor)
• 2 bay leaves

For Serving (Optional but Highly Recommended!):

• Low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps
• Fresh avocado slices
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced onions
• Lime wedges

If you’re looking for the best keto-friendly breads, check out these easy low-carb bread recipes.

Why This Barbacoa is a Game-Changer for Dinner

There are a million reasons to love this slow cooker shredded beef, but let’s break it down:

• Keto & Low Carb – A meal that’s high in healthy fats and moderate in protein but won’t load you up on carbs.
• Naturally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free – No sneaky ingredients here!
• Packed with Flavor – The chipotle, garlic, and cumin combo is a next-level flavor bomb.
• Ridiculously Easy – Toss it in the crockpot and forget about it (well, until your kitchen smells amazing).
• Versatile – Eat it in a bowl, a taco, over cauliflower rice, or even lettuce wraps (try this Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Chicken for the perfect side!).

How to Make Crockpot Beef Barbacoa

This barbacoa recipe is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it every week.

Step 1: Sear the Beef for Extra Flavor

Okay, this step is technically optional, but I highly recommend it.

Why? Because browning the meat first locks in those deep, rich flavors and gives you that irresistible caramelized crust.

• Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the beef on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
• Transfer the beef straight into your crockpot.

Step 2: Blend Up That Smoky Chipotle Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens. This sauce is bold, smoky, slightly spicy, and completely drool-worthy.

• In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, onion, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, and all the spices.
• Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

• Pour the blended sauce over the beef in your slow cooker.
• Add bay leaves for that signature barbacoa depth.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours (but honestly, the longer you can cook it, the better).

Step 4: Shred & Let It Soak Up All the Juices

• Remove the beef and shred it with two forks—it should fall apart effortlessly.
• Return the shredded beef to the crockpot, letting it soak up all those juices for another 20-30 minutes.

Storage Tips & Meal Prep Ideas

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge when needed.
• Meal Prep: Use it in low-carb bowls, tacos, or lettuce wraps throughout the week.

Need more keto-friendly meal prep ideas? Check out these easy low-carb dinner recipes!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 750
• Protein: 75g
• Fat: 49g
• Carbs: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 0g

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes! If you don’t have a crockpot, try:

• Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 60-70 minutes, then do a natural release.
• Oven: Bake covered at 300°F for 4-5 hours in a Dutch oven.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a little heat from the chipotle peppers, but you can add less or more depending on your preference.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Chuck roast, brisket, and beef short ribs all work great.

Tips & Variations for the Best Barbacoa

• Want extra smoky flavor? Add a touch of liquid smoke!
• Prefer leaner beef? Flank steak works, but it won’t be as juicy.
• Love tangy flavors? Squeeze in fresh lime juice after shredding.
• Need it extra spicy? Add an extra chipotle pepper!

Shredded Barbacoa Beef for Any Healthy Lifestyle

This crockpot beef barbacoa is hands down one of the easiest, most delicious meals you’ll ever make.

Whether you eat it in lettuce wraps, tacos, or bowls, it’s guaranteed to be juicy, flavorful, and totally satisfying.

Oh, and if you love Crockpot-inspired beef dishes, you’ll definitely want to check out these flavorful low-carb chicken crockpot recipes!

Let me know if you try our barbacoa beef—I’d love to hear what you think!

Yield: 18 Servings

Beef Barbacoa

Print

Discover the ultimate keto Crockpot Beef Barbacoa recipe! Tender beef, rich spices, and slow-cooked perfection.

Ideal for a low-carb and animal-based diet.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 hours

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 10 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
• 3 tbsp avocado oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• Low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps (Optional)
• Fresh avocado slices (Optional)
• Chopped cilantro (Optional)
• Diced onions (Optional)
• Lime wedges (Optional)

Instructions

Sear the Beef for Extra Flavor

1. Okay, this step is technically optional, but I highly recommend it.
2. Why? Because browning the meat first locks in those deep, rich flavors and gives you that irresistible caramelized crust.
3. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the beef on all sides for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Transfer the beef straight into your crockpot.

Blend Up That Smoky Chipotle Sauce

1. Here’s where the magic happens. This sauce is bold, smoky, slightly spicy, and completely drool-worthy.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, onion, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, beef broth, and all the spices.
3. Blend until smooth.

Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

1. Pour the blended sauce over the beef in your slow cooker.
2. Add bay leaves for that signature barbacoa depth.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours (but honestly, the longer you can cook it, the better).

Shred & Let It Soak Up All the Juices

1. Remove the beef and shred it with two forks—it should fall apart effortlessly.
2. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot, letting it soak up all those juices for another 20-30 minutes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

18

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 779Total Fat: 51gSaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 3gUnsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 254mgSodium: 461mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 77g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix