If you're craving an unforgettable culinary experience that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico, look no further than these Slow Cooker Beef Cheek Tacos Barbacoa de Cachete! This tantalizing dish is not only packed with rich, savory flavors but also boasts the convenience of a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Imagine succulent beef cheeks, slow-cooked to perfection, wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro—it's a fiesta on your plate! Ready to impress your family and friends? Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a taco bar that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef cheeks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortillas for serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the beef cheeks and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence.
- In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub seasoning.
- Generously coat the beef cheeks on all sides with the spice mixture, massaging the seasonings into the meat thoroughly.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic, then spread them evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned beef cheeks on top of the onions and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Pour the beef broth around the meat, ensuring it doesn't wash away the spice rub.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, cooking for 8 hours until the meat is extremely tender and easily shreds.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the beef cheeks and shred the meat using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat.
- Strain the cooking liquid and skim off excess fat, then mix a small amount back into the shredded meat for added moisture and flavor.
- Warm the tortillas and fill them with the shredded barbacoa beef.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately with your favorite salsa or lime wedges.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: When selecting beef cheeks, look for well-marbled cuts, as the fat will render during cooking, enhancing the flavor and tenderness.
- Don't Rush the Cooking: For the best results, allow the beef cheeks to cook on low heat for the full 8 hours. This slow cooking process breaks down the tough fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat.
- Customize Your Spice Mix: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking! Add more chili powder for heat or include smoked paprika for a smoky flavor twist.
- Layer for Flavor: When placing the onions and garlic in the slow cooker, ensure they are evenly distributed. This will infuse the beef with aromatic flavors throughout the cooking process.
- Save the Broth: After shredding the meat, don’t forget to mix in some of the strained cooking liquid. This adds moisture and helps keep the beef flavorful.
- Warm Your Tortillas: For the best taco experience, warm your tortillas on a skillet or directly over a flame for a few seconds. This enhances their flavor and makes them more pliable for filling.
- Garnish Creatively: While fresh cilantro is a classic topping, consider adding diced onions, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime for a refreshing kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 67mg
