The traditional Mexican barbacoa de borrego, or lamb barbacoa is now attainable for any kitchen. You can enjoy the Mexican tradition of pit-cooking meat to supple, falling-off-the bone tenderness with this quickly and easy Lamb Barbacoa Nachos Crock Pot Recipe.
| Servings |
- 1-1/2 pounds Shepherd’s Pride lamb shoulder
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 chipotle chili - I used poblano for less heat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 garlic gloves
- corn tortillas
- vegetable oil as needed
- Suggested toppings:
- Queso fresco
- Cilantro
- Avocado
- Tomato
- Jalapeno
- Lime juice
- Onion
Ingredients
| |
- Add lamb, water, garlic, chipotle chili, salt and pepper to crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Cut corn tortillas into quarters.
- Heat oil in shallow skillet over medium heat and fry tortillas until crisp (about 2 minutes). Turn half way through. Place on paper towels to drain.
- Shred lamb with forks.
- Layer lamb and toppings on tortilla chips.
Recipe courtesy of A Thrifty Diva at http://athriftydiva.com
This was the first time that I prepared lamb in a crock pot. I was so impressed at how easy it was and how tender and juicy the meat turned out. Not only is it amazing for nachos but I will serve it for shredded meat sandwiches, tacos, and burritos in the very near future!
Traditionally, barbacoa is prepared using a pit covered with maguey leaves and you cook the entire sheep. This recipe gives you the same tender meat with the convenience of a crock pot and less expensive cuts by American Shepherd’s Pride lamb.
I shopped at my local Heinen’s for all the ingredients.
This is a sponsored conversation with Shepherd’s Pride and Heinen’s.
You can purchase the Shepherd’s Pride Lamb in a variety of cuts at Heinen’s. If you are not use to buying lamb, you might be very surprised at how affordable it is. Compared to other cuts of meat, lamb is surprisingly similar.
This recipe calls for Shepherd’s Pride Lamb Shoulder. There were two different packages for chops and shoulder, so I asked the Heinen’s sales clerk for advice. His eyes lit up when he saw what I was buying. He said it was “really good stuff, you’ll like it a lot” so I knew it would be good! He actually looked envious of my recipe, maybe I should bring him a plate!
I had also never tried Queso fresco, however, I was quickly assisted and directed to it at the cheese counter. Now, it is a new favorite cheese, it crumbles like feta but is soft and creamy and oh, so delicious on nachos!
Making this fall-apart barbacoa-style lamb couldn’t be easier – even if this is your first time preparing lamb! If you can place the lamb, water, pepper, and seasonings in the crock pot, you can do it. I was amazed as how tender and delicious the lamb turned out. It was rich and full of flavor too!
Since my son is getting over gastritis from last week, I decided to use a poblano pepper instead of the chipotle pepper. Both types of pepper provide a smokiness to any recipe but the problano does so without the heat. This is a good option if you like your food a little milder. I’ll have to try it with the chipotle pepper once his tummy settles down because I know we’ll enjoy it with extra heat too!
Making your own tortilla chips is super easy and taste better than store-bought. Simply fry them for a few minutes in a little oil. It’s that simple.
This recipe received rave reviews from my entire family, even my daughter who has become a picky eater as of late. Everyone had seconds and wants me to make it again. In fact, I plan to bring it to the next party we go to. It is a delicious recipe that will really show your culinary skills off – just don’t tell them how easy it is to prepare!
When I buy lamb, I choose Shepherd’s Pride Lamb for a number of reasons.
- They have the highest level of sheep-raising standards – no added hormones or antibiotics ever! Plus, lamb provides 25% daily requirements for protein, zinc, niacin, and vitamin B12 – with only 8 grams of fat.
- Lamb is only 36% saturated fat while 2/3 is polyunsaturated or “good fat”, meaning fewer calories per ounce compared to other meats.
- I can see where the product comes from with the attached QR code on the exclusive Where Food Comes From label – plus it is fun to see the actual families that raise the lambs.
- Shepherd’s Pride Lamb is from America, making it fresher. According to the American Lamb Board, American Lamb is up to 10,000 miles fresher than lamb imported from Australia or New Zealand.
I Love Baa-Baa-Coa Sweeps
Do you love barbacoa? Whether you are new to the delicious flavors of barbacoa or a seasoned expert, Shepherd’s Pride Lamb (Mountain States Rosen) has a contest for you!
You could win a 6-piece knife set ($150 value) to aid in your next barbacoa prep in the I Love Baa-Baa-Coa Sweeps.
To enter, simply Like Mountain States Rosen on Facebook. Download Cinco de Mayo recipes. Fill out your information and you are entered to win!
I Love Baa-Baa-Coa Sweeps runs May 1 – 9, 2014 (11pm)
Win $50 Heinen’s Gift Card
You have the chance to win a $50 Heinen’s Gift Card to create your own recipe made from Shepherd’s Pride Lamb.
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Contest ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 16, 2014 when a winner will be drawn at random. I will notify the winners and they will have 36 hours to respond or another winner will be selected!