Last Updated on February 22, 2023 by Kayla
This low-carb slow cooker beef barbacoa is keto-friendly and makes for a great meal prep recipe!
What is barbacoa?
Barbacoa is a cooking method dating back to the times of the pre-Columbian Caribbean. This method involves steaming meat by wrapping it in agave leaves and roasting it until tender. Traditionally, barbacoa is cooked over an open fire or hole dug in the ground. Barbacoa uses higher-fat cuts of meat and strong spices.
Calories in barbacoa
Chipotle is one of the better-known food establishments for commercial barbacoa. Here, one serving of barbacoa clocks in at 170 calories and 2 grams of carbohydrates. Chipotle‘s barbacoa contains no added sugars and is keto- and low-carb friendly.
Leftover barbacoa meal ideas
There is no question that you’ll have leftover beef barbacoa with this recipe! Repurpose leftover keto barbacoa with the following meal ideas:
- tacos
- bowls
- stuffed peppers
- sandwiches
- cheese dip
- potato skins
- nachos
- chili
- quesadillas
For a keto barbacoa recipe, serve over a bed of lettuce to make a barbacoa salad, or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb beef barbacoa bowl. For extra fiber, add black beans, pinto beans, and lots of fajita vegetables.
This keto pulled beef recipe pairs nicely with my easy corn salsa and low-carb margarita!
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa {low carb, keto}
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chuck roast
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 onion diced
- 1 jalapeño sliced
- 1 lime juiced
Instructions
- Cube chuck roast into 2-3-inch pieces. Add to slow cooker.
- Top with remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Remove beef from slow cooker to cool. Once meat is cool enough to handle, shred with two forks or diced into small cubes. Return to slow cooker; mix to combine.
- Serve over a bed of lettuce, cauliflower rice, or tortillas.
Nutrition Facts
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This was so easy and delicious! Once cooked I chopped bigger hunks into smaller pieces and put on the stove for a little bit of a char – then put over a bed of cauliflower rice. YUM!
I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe! It makes for great leftovers too! Thanks for 5 stars! Kayla