Heart-Healthy Authentic Barbacoa Tacos

Savor the bold, smoky flavors of these Heart-Healthy Authentic Barbacoa Tacos—a wholesome spin on a Mexican classic. Made with tender, slow-cooked lean beef brisket infused with aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, this recipe delivers all the depth of traditional barbacoa with a healthier twist. Cooked low and slow in a rich broth featuring chipotle peppers for a hint of heat, this shredded beef is piled onto soft whole wheat tortillas for added fiber and nutrition. Fresh toppings like creamy avocado, zesty lime, and fragrant cilantro perfectly complement the dish, while keeping sodium in check. With minimal prep and a set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker method, these tacos are perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Relish every guilt-free bite of these heart-friendly, protein-packed tacos!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:500 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Lean beef brisket
• 3 pieces Bay leaves
• 5 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika
• 2 pieces Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice
• 2 cups Low-sodium beef broth
• 1 large White onion
• 8 pieces Whole wheat tortillas
• 0.5 cup Cilantro
• 1 large Avocado
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Begin by trimming any excess fat off the brisket to keep it lean.

Step 2

Cut the brisket into large chunks, approximately 3-4 inches each, to ensure even cooking and easy shredding later.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Rub the spice mixture evenly over each piece of brisket, ensuring all sides are coated.

Step 5

Place the seasoned brisket in a slow cooker. Add bay leaves, minced garlic cloves, chopped chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, lime juice, and beef broth.

Step 6

Quarter the large white onion and add it to the slow cooker.

Step 7

Cover and cook the brisket on low heat for 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shredded with a fork.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the brisket from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

Step 9

Discard bay leaves and any large pieces of fat.

Step 10

Warm the whole wheat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until they are pliable.

Step 11

To assemble the tacos, place a generous amount of shredded barbacoa on each tortilla.

Step 12

Top with chopped fresh cilantro, slices of avocado, and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Step 13

Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1419.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1676.9

Total Fat 58.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5503.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 254.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.4g	0%
Total Sugars 21.0g
Protein 47.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 586.0mg	0%
Iron 21.6mg	0%
Potassium 3042.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.4%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 58.7%