Whole30 Authentic Barbacoa Tacos

Indulge in the bold, smoky flavors of these Whole30 Authentic Barbacoa Tacos, a healthier twist on a Mexican classic. Featuring tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast infused with aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and cloves, and a subtle heat from dried chipotle peppers, this recipe is a fiesta of flavor. Cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, the beef is shredded and served in crisp romaine lettuce leaves, making it completely grain-free and Whole30 compliant. Topped with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and creamy avocado slices, these tacos are a vibrant and satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or meal-prep. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and Paleo-friendly, these barbacoa tacos deliver authentic taste without breaking your healthy eating commitment!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:480 mins

Total Time:495 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 whole dried chipotle peppers
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup beef broth
• 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 leaves romaine lettuce leaves
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 cup red onion, diced
• 1 whole avocado, sliced

Directions

Step 1

Trim excess fat from the beef chuck roast and cut it into large chunks.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of ghee. Sear the chunks of beef until browned on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed.

Step 3

Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker.

Step 4

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and add the diced onion. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Transfer the onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef.

Step 7

Add the dried chipotle peppers, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, bay leaves, sea salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.

Step 8

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and chipotle peppers, then shred the beef directly in the slow cooker using two forks.

Step 10

Mix the beef well to combine with the juices and let it sit on 'warm' for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 11

To assemble the tacos, lay out 12 romaine lettuce leaves as taco shells.

Step 12

Spoon the shredded barbacoa beef into each lettuce leaf.

Step 13

Top with chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and avocado slices.

Step 14

Serve immediately and enjoy your Whole30 Authentic Barbacoa Tacos.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2316.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4125.6

Total Fat 326.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 130.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 1093.3mg	0%
Sodium 6423.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 56.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.2g	0%
Total Sugars 12.9g
Protein 258.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 425.7mg	0%
Iron 46.0mg	0%
Potassium 5591.6mg	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: 70.0%

Protein: 24.7%

Carbs: 5.3%