Add the beef pieces to the slow cooker then cover with all ingredients, reserving the bay leaf. Mix with a few stirs of a spoon until the meat is mixed into the seasonings. Top with bay leaf.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
Remove and discard the bay leaves. Shred the beef using two forks, mixing it back into the sauce for extra flavor.
Let the beef rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the sauce before serving with optional lime wedges and fresh chopped cilantro.
