Crockpot Carne Asada: Easy Recipe for Delicious Tacos & More

Crockpot Carne Asada: Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth carne asada without spending hours slaving over a hot grill. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! This recipe brings the authentic taste of this beloved Mexican dish right to your kitchen, with a fraction of the effort.

Carne asada, meaning “grilled meat” in Spanish, has deep roots in Northern Mexican cuisine. Traditionally, it’s prepared over an open flame, imparting a smoky char that’s simply irresistible. But what if you could achieve a similar depth of flavor and unparalleled tenderness using your trusty crockpot?

That’s exactly what this recipe delivers. People adore carne asada for its versatility – it’s fantastic in tacos, burritos, salads, or simply enjoyed on its own with a side of rice and beans. The vibrant marinade, bursting with citrus, garlic, and spices, is what truly elevates this dish. And the slow cooking process ensures that even a tougher cut of beef transforms into a succulent masterpiece. This crockpot carne asada recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, allowing you to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors without the fuss. Get ready to experience carne asada like never before!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lb Flank Steak or Skirt Steak
• 1 large Orange, juiced (about ½ cup)
• 2 Limes, juiced (about ¼ cup)
• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 medium Onion, roughly chopped
• 2 Jalapeños, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tbsp Cumin
• 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Oregano, dried
• 1 tsp Salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp Black Pepper, or to taste
• ½ cup Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Tortillas, for serving
• Optional Toppings: Guacamole, Salsa, Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo

Preparing the Marinade:

Alright, let’s get started! The key to amazing carne asada is a flavorful marinade that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with deliciousness. This is where the magic happens, so don’t skip this step!

1. Juice the Citrus: First, grab your orange and limes. Juice them thoroughly, making sure to extract as much juice as possible. You should end up with about ½ cup of orange juice and ¼ cup of lime juice. Freshly squeezed juice is always best for the brightest flavor!
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, and olive oil. The olive oil helps to carry the flavors and keeps the meat moist during cooking.
3. Add the Aromatics: Now, add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and minced jalapeños (if using) to the bowl. The garlic and onion provide a pungent base, while the jalapeños add a touch of heat. Remember to seed the jalapeños if you want to control the spice level.
4. Incorporate the Spices: Next, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl. These spices are the heart and soul of the carne asada flavor profile. The chili powder adds warmth, the cumin adds earthiness, the smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, and the oregano adds a touch of herbaceousness. Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Whisk it All Together: Give everything a good whisk until all the ingredients are well combined. The marinade should be a vibrant, aromatic mixture.

Marinating the Meat:

Now that our marinade is ready, it’s time to get the meat soaking in all that goodness. This step is crucial for tenderizing the flank or skirt steak and infusing it with flavor.

1. Prepare the Meat: Lay the flank steak or skirt steak on a cutting board. If the steak is particularly thick, you can lightly score it in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the marinade penetrate deeper into the meat.
2. Marinate the Meat: Place the steak in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. If using a bag, squeeze out any excess air before sealing it. If using a dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate: Place the marinated steak in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the steak marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. I usually aim for at least 8 hours for the best results. Turn the bag or flip the steak in the dish occasionally to ensure even marinating.

Crockpot Cooking:

This is where the slow cooker magic happens! The crockpot will gently cook the carne asada to tender perfection, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful.

1. Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the bottom of your crockpot with cooking spray. This will prevent the steak from sticking.
2. Place the Steak in the Crockpot: Remove the steak from the marinade and place it in the crockpot. Discard the remaining marinade.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the steak is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the strength of your crockpot.

Shredding and Finishing:

Once the carne asada is cooked, it’s time to shred it and add a final touch of flavor. This step is quick and easy, but it makes a big difference in the overall taste and texture.

1. Shred the Steak: Remove the steak from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the steak into bite-sized pieces. It should be very tender and easy to shred.
2. Return to Crockpot (Optional): For extra flavor, you can return the shredded steak to the crockpot and let it simmer in the juices for another 30 minutes. This will allow the steak to absorb even more flavor.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the shredded carne asada and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or chili powder to taste.

Serving:

Now for the best part – serving up your delicious homemade carne asada! There are so many ways to enjoy this flavorful dish.

1. Warm the Tortillas: Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or tortilla warmer. Warm tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them perfect for tacos.
2. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded carne asada.
3. Add Toppings: Top with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, pico de gallo, or shredded cheese.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade crockpot carne asada tacos!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spice level. For a milder flavor, omit the jalapeños altogether. For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Meat Options: While flank steak and skirt steak are the most traditional choices for carne asada, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as sirloin or flap meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Citrus Variations: Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits in the marinade. You can add a splash of orange juice or grapefruit juice for a unique flavor.
• Grilling Option: If you prefer a grilled flavor, you can grill the marinated steak over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
• Serving Suggestions: Carne asada is also delicious served in burritos, quesadillas, salads, or even as a topping for nachos.
• Make Ahead: The marinade can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. The carne asada can also be cooked in the crockpot ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.
• Freezing: Cooked carne asada can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Crockpot Carne Asada!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest: you’ve scrolled this far because you’re intrigued, and I’m here to tell you that intrigue is justified! This Crockpot Carne Asada recipe isn’t just another slow cooker meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. The tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful beef that emerges from your crockpot after hours of simmering in that citrusy, garlicky marinade is truly something special. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, when in reality, you just tossed a few ingredients into a pot and let the magic happen.

But why is this a must-try? Because it’s ridiculously easy, incredibly versatile, and delivers restaurant-quality results without the restaurant price tag. Think about it: minimal prep time, maximum flavor payoff. What’s not to love? This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to impress, and it’s so simple that even the most novice cook can pull it off with confidence.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions because the possibilities are endless! My personal favorite is to pile the shredded Crockpot Carne Asada high on warm corn tortillas with a generous dollop of guacamole, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. But don’t stop there! You can use this flavorful beef in burritos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.

Feeling adventurous? Try these variations:

Spice it Up:

Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.

Sweeten the Deal:

A tablespoon of honey or brown sugar can add a touch of sweetness that balances the acidity of the citrus.

Smoky Flavor:

A teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky flavor profile.

Make it a Bowl:

Serve the carne asada over rice or quinoa with your favorite toppings for a healthy and satisfying bowl.

Seriously, the only limit is your imagination! This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’re going to love it as much as I do. So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the deliciousness of homemade Crockpot Carne Asada.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and how you served it. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Share your photos on social media using #MyAwesomeCarneAsada – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!