Cook: 300 If you’ve been searching for the BEST easy weeknight dinner, then you’re going to love these Mexican Barbacoa Tacos! I’ve been making these for years and my family still asks for them all of the time. They have a savory, smoky flavor and are easily made in the slow cooker, so cleanup is a breeze. In this post I’ll show you how to make easy, no-fuss, perfect barbacoa every single time!
These Easy Mexican Barbacoa Tacos are PERFECT as an easy and healthy weeknight dinner!
When it comes to weeknight dinners, I’m always looking to make something with easy steps and lots of hands-off cooking time. Especially as a busy mom of 3 kiddos!
I love that this Mexican Barbacoa Tacos recipe is easily made in the slow cooker, so the meat cooks to soft and tender perfection with so much flavor. The tacos are quickly assembled with fresh and delicious ingredients, and they’re perfect for the entire family!
What is Mexican Barbacoa?
Mexican Barbacoa is a meat that’s cooked in broth, removed, and mixed with seasonings. In the case of these Easy Mexican Barbacoa Tacos, we’re using a chuck steak that’s been cooked to perfection in a simple broth and topped with delicious spices in the slow cooker!
Ways to make these Easy Mexican Barbacoa Tacos:
These tacos are so easy to make in the slow cooker! Another option is to roast the meat in the oven (which gives it a great flavor).
This slow cooker (opens in a new tab) is amazing at the whole set it and forget it thing! I also love this roaster (opens in a new tab) for using in the oven. For tips on how to use it, check out this post on 30-Minute Roasted Chicken Leftovers Recipes!
Mexican Barbacoa Ingredients
The ingredients for barbacoa are actually simple and easy to find! Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Chuck Steak
- Beef Broth
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Tomato Sauce
- Lime Juice
- Garlic Powder
- Dried Thyme
- Cumin Powder
- Cinnamon
- Salt/Pepper
- Onion
- Corn Tortillas
- Lettuce
- Grape Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Crumbled Feta
How to Make Barbacoa Tacos
I love making this recipe in the slow cooker for an easy weeknight dinner method! Here’s how to make barbacoa tacos in 5 easy steps:
- Mix broth, vinegar, tomato sauce, lime juice, and spices together.
- Add steak to a slow cooker and pour the mixture over it.
- Add 1/2 of the chopped onion and cook on low for 5 hours (or until fork-tender).
- When ready to enjoy, heat the tortillas and top each one with lettuce, tomatoes, sliced avocado, the remaining onion, and crumbled feta.
- Slice the cooked steak and add to each taco!
Barbacoa Taco Toppings
Avocado, onions, feta cheese, shredded cheese, sour cream, or really anything you want!
Some of my favorite sauces and salsa’s to add:
- 3 Ingredient Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing
- 10-Minute Healthy Ranch Dressing
- Pineapple Sauce from Spicy Grilled Shrimp recipe
RELATED RECIPES:
Beef Barbacoa Taco Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chuck steak
- 1 cup 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
Instructions
- Place the chuck steak in the slow cooker.
- Mix the broth, vinegar, tomato sauce, lime juice, and spices together.
- Pour the mixture over the steak.
- Finely chop the onion and place half of the amount in the slow cooker with the steak.
- Cook on low for 5 hours (or until fork-tender).
- Heat the tortillas and top each one with lettuce, tomatoes, sliced avocado, the remaining onion, and crumbled feta.
- Slice the cooked chuck steak and add to each tortilla.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this? I’d love to see!
Tag me on socials at @JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab) or #JarOfLemons (opens in a new tab)
So easy, and absolutely delicious. I shredded the meat rather than slicing it (because that’s how barbacoa is meant to be) and then I spooned sauce over it and gave it a toss before adding to the tacos. These were a huge hit with the entire family.
I am confused by the serving suggestion. Is that saying that this recipe makes 6 tacos? Or that a single serving is 6 tacos?
How many tacos on average does this review make?
How many tacos gives the 301 calorie count?
Yes, this recipe makes 6 tacos and each serving is 1 taco. The calorie count is for each taco. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
I’m really excited to try this recipe thank you, I was just wondering what broth do you use? Thanks.
Hi Lauren! I’ve used several types of broth and it always tastes great. Vegetable broth is my go-to, but beef broth or chicken broth both add so much flavor as well. Any type is great!
oh my gosh!! this was so flavorful. I let mine cook on low overnight and you could cut the meat with a spoon. We had extra leftovers with rice and alllll that juice. The feta and avocado go with the meat perfectly. thank you for this recipe!!
Looking forward to trying this recipe! Just one question..I count macros and I was wondering if the whole 6 servings equates to the carbs 15 fat 19 and protein 17. Thanks!
Hi, Kaitlyn! The macros listed on the recipe are per serving. I hope you enjoy the recipe! 🙂