Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of perfectly seasoned beef wafting through your kitchen. That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Carne Asada! This dish takes the classic Mexican flavors we all love and marries them beautifully with the convenience of a slow cooker, giving you melt-in-your-mouth goodness with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: With just a few minutes of prep and your trusty slow cooker, dinner practically makes itself.
- Flavor-Packed: Thanks to a tantalizing blend of spices and citrus, each bite is a zesty, delightful experience.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or as a filling for tacos and burritos, this carne asada is adaptable to whatever you’re craving.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its tender, juicy texture makes it a hit for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple ingredients takes your taste buds on a flavorful journey. Each one plays a starring role in creating the perfect Slow Cooker Carne Asada.
- Flank Steak (2-3 lbs.): The heart of the dish, offering a tender texture that’s perfect for slow cooking.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural beef flavors.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a pungent, delightful aroma and taste.
- Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Helps carry the flavors and adds a touch of richness.
- Orange Juice (1/2 cup): Provides a sweet and tangy base that tenderizes the meat.
- Lime Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and complements the orange juice.
- Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, earthy spice that’s essential for Mexican dishes.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Brings in a mild heat and deeper color.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Introduces a fragrant, aromatic herbiness.
- Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon each): These all add depth of flavor and complexity.
Variations
With a recipe as friendly as Slow Cooker Carne Asada, there’s plenty of room for personalization. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to suit your palate or pantry!
- Add Some Heat: Incorporate jalapenos or chipotle peppers for an extra spicy kick.
- Citrus Twist: Swap half the orange juice with lemon juice for an added tangy twist.
- Herb Explosion: Toss in some fresh cilantro at the end for a fresh burst of flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Carne Asada
Step 1: Prep Your Flank Steak
Start by patting the flank steak dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper, pressing the seasoning into the meat for maximum absorption. For an optional step, you can sear it on both sides in a hot skillet until deeply browned. This adds a beautiful caramelization and flavor base.
Step 2: Combine Your Marinade
In a mixing bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This liquid gold will infuse your steak with mouth-watering aromas and juicy, nuanced flavors. Pour it over the flank steak placed in your slow cooker.
Step 3: Let It Cook
Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook the steak for about 8 hours. This slow and steady cooking technique ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender, soaking in all the lovely flavors from the marinade.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
When done, transfer the steak to a cutting board and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix well into the remaining juices. This re-absorption step is key to a juicy, flavorful carne asada!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Carne Asada
- Marinating Magic: For an even more robust flavor, marinate the steak overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Citrus Boost: Adding a splash of freshly squeezed lime juice right before serving elevates the fresh flavors.
- Stay Juicy: Always return the shredded meat to the slow cooker juices to ensure every bite is succulent and packed with flavor.
- Season to Taste: After cooking, adjust the salt and pepper to taste – this final seasoning can make all the difference!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Carne Asada
Garnishes
Garnish your carne asada with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime. These toppings not only add a pop of color but also enhance the fresh, vibrant flavors of the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this carne asada with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple avocado salad. These sides complement the richness of the beef, providing balance and rounding out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Use the carne asada as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even quesadillas. Serve directly from the slow cooker for a rustic family-style presentation, allowing guests to build their own plates with optional toppings and sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover carne asada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to keep it in its juices to maintain moistness.
Freezing
Freeze any remaining carne asada in a freezer-safe container with the juices for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your carne asada gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of stock or extra juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use skirt steak or a chuck roast as alternatives. Just keep in mind that different cuts might alter the cooking time slightly.
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Is there a way to make it less spicy?
Definitely! Simply reduce or omit the chili powder and smoked paprika if you prefer a milder dish.
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How can I add more savoriness to the dish?
Consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for an added depth of umami flavor.
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What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No worries! You can achieve similar results using a Dutch oven, cooking on low heat in the oven at around 275°F for the same duration.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Carne Asada truly embodies the essence of easy, flavorful cooking. It’s a dish that doesn’t just get dinner on the table—it creates an experience, gathering everyone together over irresistible aromas and delightful tastes. Dive into this recipe and discover why it’s bound to become a household favorite.
Print
Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A tender and flavorful slow cooker carne asada made with marinated flank steak, infused with citrus and spices, perfect for tacos, burritos, or served over rice. This hands-off recipe simplifies traditional grilling while delivering bold, authentic flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 2–3 lbs. flank steak
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Marinade
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Season the flank steak: Rub the steak with salt, pepper, and evenly distribute the seasonings over both sides, pressing them in gently.
- (Optional) Sear the steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and sear the steak for about 5 minutes per side until browned, to enhance flavor and appearance.
- Prepare the slow cooker: Place the seasoned (and optionally seared) flank steak into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Make the marinade: In a measuring cup, whisk together minced garlic, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth. Pour this mixture over the steak.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 8 hours until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the beef: Remove the cooked flank steak to a cutting board and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Combine and serve: Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, stir to absorb the juices, and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Add fresh chopped cilantro to the marinade for extra flavor.
- Spice it up by adding jalapenos, chipotle chilis, or chipotle chili powder.
- You can also use this marinade for other cuts like skirt steak.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer some of the liquid after cooking to reduce before mixing back into the meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
