Smoky, spicy, and fall-apart tender—this slow-cooked beef is perfect for tacos, bowls, sandwiches, and meal prep.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Beef
- 1.2–1.5 kg (2.5–3 lb) beef chuck roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- Salt & black pepper
Chipotle Sauce
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for spice)
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the can)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, balances heat)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep & Season
- Pat beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear (Recommended)
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat
- Sear beef 2–3 minutes per side until browned
👉 Adds deep flavor
3. Make Sauce
- In a blender, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, broth, tomatoes, garlic, onion, lime juice, and spices
- Blend until smooth
4. Slow Cook
- Place beef in crockpot
- Pour sauce over the top
- Cover and cook:
- LOW: 8–9 hours
- HIGH: 4–5 hours
5. Shred & Finish
- Remove beef and shred with forks
- Return to crockpot and mix with sauce
- Let sit 10–15 minutes to absorb flavor
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- 🌮 Tacos with cilantro & onions
- 🌯 Burritos or wraps
- 🍚 Rice bowls with avocado
- 🥪 Sandwiches or sliders
- 🥗 Over salad for a lighter option
🧮 WW Points Estimate
- ~5–7 points per serving (depends on cut of beef)
🔄 Ways to Lighten It Up
- Trim visible fat from beef
- Use leaner cut (round roast)
- Reduce sugar or skip it
❓ FAQs
How spicy is it?
- Medium heat 🌶️
👉 Reduce chipotle peppers for milder flavor
Can I make it ahead?
Yes 👍 Even better the next day
Can I freeze it?
- Yes, up to 2–3 months
Can I make it in Instant Pot?
- Yes: Cook on High Pressure 60 minutes, natural release
💡 Pro Tips
- Add a splash of orange juice for a deeper Mexican-style flavor
- Toast spices briefly before blending for extra aroma
- Use leftovers for nachos or quesadillas