Craving an explosion of flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla? These slow cooker beef carnitas tacos are here to satisfy your palate. A Mexican culinary delight, loaded with tender, flavorful beef and vibrant bell peppers, these tacos are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.
This recipe uses some ingredients that might not be readily available in your pantry. Flank steak, a lean cut, is the star of this dish. It might require a trip to a butcher shop or a well-stocked supermarket. Another unique ingredient is the spice rub, a mix of chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic, and cayenne pepper. While these spices are common in Mexican cuisine, you may need to stock up on them for this recipe.
Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos
Flank steak: This lean cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking. It soaks up the flavors of the spice rub and bell peppers, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
Onion: A crucial ingredient for any savory dish, it adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to the tacos.
Bell peppers: They impart a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a colorful appearance to the tacos.
Jalapeno: It gives a spicy kick to the tacos. Adjust the quantity as per your heat tolerance.
Spice rub: A mix of Mexican spices that gives the flank steak its characteristic flavor.
Corn tortillas: The base of the tacos. They have a unique, slightly sweet flavor that complements the spicy beef.
Avocado: Adds creaminess to the tacos, balancing out the heat from the jalapeno.
Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herby flavor that elevates the overall taste.
Salsa: Adds a tangy, spicy touch to the tacos.
Limes: A squeeze of lime juice just before serving gives a refreshing, tangy twist to the tacos.
One reader, Chrysler Seals says:
This slow cooker beef carnitas tacos recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and the meat is incredibly tender. It's so easy to make and the end result is absolutely delicious. I love how versatile it is, perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos
How to prepare the spice rub: Mix together the chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
How to cook the beef in the slow cooker: Place the seasoned flank steak at the bottom of the crock pot and cover it with the chopped onions, bell peppers, and jalapeno pepper. Cook on low heat for 8 hours.
How to shred the beef: After 8 hours, remove the cooked meat from the crock pot and shred it using a fork. It should easily fall apart.
How to serve the beef carnitas: Heat the corn tortillas in a skillet on the stove. Spoon the shredded beef onto a tortilla and top with salsa, avocado slices, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos
Flank steak is seasoned with a medley of spices and then slow-cooked for hours with chili and bell peppers to make these irresistible carnitas tacos.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbsFlank Steak
- 1yellow onion,chopped
- 1green bell pepper,chopped
- 1red bell pepper,chopped
- 1jalapeno,seeded, chopped
For Spice Rub:
- 2tspchili powder
- 1tspcumin
- ¼tsponion powder
- ¼tspgarlic
- ¼tspcayenne pepper
- 1tspsalt
- ½tspblack pepper
For Serving:
- corn tortillas
- avocado slices
- cilantro
- favorite salsa
- limes
Instructions
-
Mix together all spices in a small bowl. Rub the spices all over the flank steak. Place the steak at the bottom of a crock pot.
-
Cover the steak with the chopped onions, bell peppers and jalapeno pepper. Turn heat on Low and cook for 8 hours.
-
After 8 hours, remove meat from crock pot and shred with a fork. It should be incredibly easy to shred.
-
To serve, heat corn tortillas in a skillet on the stove. Spoon some carnitas on a tortilla then top with salsa, avocado, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Nutrition
- Calories: 249.49kcal
- Fat: 13.36g
- Saturated Fat: 4.48g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.94g
- Carbohydrates: 7.36g
- Fiber: 3.29g
- Sugar: 2.17g
- Protein: 25.33g
- Cholesterol: 77.11mg
- Sodium: 376.41mg
- Calcium: 51.50mg
- Potassium: 624.54mg
- Iron: 2.47mg
- Vitamin A: 46.63µg
- Vitamin C: 40.68mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas
For an even more flavorful result, consider marinating the flank steak with the spice rub overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more robust flavor. Remember to cover the meat tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all your ingredients the night before. This will save you time and make the cooking process smoother.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to chop the onions, bell peppers, and jalapeno quickly and evenly.
Invest in a good slow cooker: A reliable slow cooker can save you time and effort in the kitchen, especially for slow-cooked recipes like beef carnitas tacos.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra carnitas for a quick and easy meal later in the week.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to save time and reduce stress.
Prep your garnishes: Prepare your avocado slices, cilantro, and salsa while the beef is cooking to streamline the serving process.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos Recipe
flank steak - Substitute with pork shoulder: Pork shoulder is a great alternative for slow cooking as it becomes tender and shreds easily, similar to beef carnitas.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to yellow onions, and they work well in slow-cooked dishes.
green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers have a mild heat and a rich flavor that adds depth to the dish, similar to green bell peppers.
red bell pepper - Substitute with anaheim pepper: Anaheim peppers have a similar texture and mild heat to red bell peppers, making them a suitable substitute.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers provide a similar level of heat and flavor to jalapenos, adding a spicy kick to the dish.
chili powder - Substitute with ancho chili powder: Ancho chili powder has a slightly smoky, mild flavor that complements the dish, similar to regular chili powder.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander offers a warm, citrusy flavor that can replace the earthy notes of cumin in the spice rub.
onion powder - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can add a savory depth to the dish, similar to onion powder.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika provides a mild heat and a smoky flavor, enhancing the spice rub like cayenne pepper.
corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas offer a soft and pliable alternative to corn tortillas for serving the beef carnitas.
avocado slices - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole can be used as a creamy and flavorful alternative to avocado slices for topping the tacos.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro for garnishing the tacos.
your favorite salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo offers a fresh and chunky alternative to salsa, adding a burst of flavor to the tacos.
limes - Substitute with lemons: Lemons can provide a similar citrusy tang to limes for squeezing over the tacos.
Presentation Ideas for Beef Carnitas Tacos
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker beef carnitas tacos, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Consider the color contrast and the placement of each element to create a stunning presentation that reflects the flavors and textures of the dish.
Incorporate artistic garnishes: Utilize fresh cilantro and thinly sliced radishes to add a pop of color and freshness to the plate. These artistic garnishes will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a delightful burst of flavor and texture.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Showcase the vibrant hues of the dish by using a neutral-colored plate that allows the rich, colorful ingredients to stand out. The contrast between the tender beef carnitas and the fresh toppings will create a visually striking presentation.
Emphasize precision in plating: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the tacos are assembled with precision and care. Neatly arranged tacos demonstrate attention to detail and elevate the overall dining experience.
Incorporate a touch of sophistication: Consider serving the tacos on a wooden board or a stylish platter to add a touch of rustic elegance to the presentation. This subtle addition can elevate the visual appeal and create a memorable dining experience for the discerning palate.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos
- Crock pot: A slow cooker used for cooking the beef carnitas over a long period of time at low temperatures, allowing the meat to become tender and flavorful.
- Knife: Used for chopping the onion, bell peppers, and jalapeno pepper, as well as for shredding the cooked flank steak.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and meat.
- Small bowl: Used for mixing together the spices to create the rub for the flank steak.
- Fork: Used for shredding the cooked flank steak before serving.
- Skillet: Used for heating the corn tortillas before serving.
- Serving platter: Used for arranging the prepared tacos before serving.
Storing and Freezing Guidelines for Beef Carnitas Tacos
- Once the beef carnitas have cooled to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, place the cooled carnitas in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen carnitas, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed or refrigerated carnitas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For best results, store the tortillas, salsa, avocado, and other toppings separately from the carnitas. Assemble the tacos just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
- If you have leftover bell peppers and onions from the slow cooker, store them in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These can be used as toppings for the tacos or in other dishes like omelets, salads, or fajitas.
How To Reheat Leftover Beef Carnitas Tacos
The best way to reheat leftover slow cooker beef carnitas is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shredded meat in an oven-safe dish and add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meat is heated through.
Another option is to reheat the carnitas in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add the shredded meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also add a splash of broth or water to prevent the meat from drying out.
For a quick and easy method, you can reheat the carnitas in the microwave. Place the meat in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to stir the meat halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you have leftover corn tortillas, you can wrap them in foil and place them in the oven alongside the carnitas. This will help to warm them up and make them more pliable for serving.
To add some extra flavor to your reheated carnitas, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro before serving. You can also top the tacos with fresh salsa, guacamole, or your favorite hot sauce.
Interesting Fact About Beef Carnitas Tacos
Beef carnitas tacos are a popular Mexican dish that originated in the state of Michoacán. Traditionally, carnitas are made by braising pork in lard until tender. However, this recipe uses beef flank steak, which is a leaner alternative. Despite the change in meat, the slow cooking process still results in tender and flavorful carnitas. This dish is a versatile option for gatherings, as it can be served as a main course or as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Additionally, the use of a slow cooker makes it convenient for busy days, allowing the flavors to develop over time.
Is Making Beef Carnitas Tacos at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker beef carnitas tacos recipe is quite high. The use of affordable ingredients like flank steak, onions, and bell peppers makes it budget-friendly. The dish yields a large quantity, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for the entire meal, including avocado, cilantro, and lime, is around $25, making it a cost-effective option. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, flavor, and ease of preparation.
Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker beef carnitas tacos recipe is a healthier option compared to traditional deep-fried carnitas. The use of lean flank steak and a variety of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, adds essential nutrients and fiber to the dish. The spice rub, which includes chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper, provides flavor without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy fats.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added spice blends to reduce the overall sodium content
- Choose whole grain corn tortillas instead of regular corn tortillas for added fiber and nutrients
- Include more vegetables, such as shredded lettuce or diced tomatoes, to increase the nutrient density of the tacos
- Use Greek yogurt or a cashew-based sour cream alternative instead of traditional sour cream to reduce saturated fat and add protein
- Limit the amount of high-fat toppings, such as avocado and cheese, or choose reduced-fat options
By making these small adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the dish while still enjoying the delicious flavors of beef carnitas tacos. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together and tenderizes the meat, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion on Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos
The slow cooker beef carnitas tacos recipe is a delightful combination of tender, flavorful beef and vibrant, fresh toppings. The spice rub infuses the flank steak with a rich, smoky flavor, while the slow cooking process ensures the meat is incredibly tender. The addition of onions, bell peppers, and jalapeno peppers adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Serving the carnitas on warm corn tortillas with creamy avocado, zesty salsa, and a squeeze of lime creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests with its delicious and satisfying results.
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos Recipe:
This slow cooker beef carnitas tacos recipe guarantees tender, flavorful results. The flank steak is infused with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and other spices, ensuring a rich and aromatic taste. The slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb the onions, bell peppers, and jalapeno, enhancing its succulence. The versatility of this dish is further elevated by the accompaniments, such as avocado slices, cilantro, and your favorite salsa. Trust in the balance of flavors and the convenience of the slow cooker method to deliver a satisfying and authentic taco experience.
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