Crockpot Carne Asada: Easy Recipe for Delicious Tacos & Bowls

Crockpot Carne Asada: Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned 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 the ease and convenience of your trusty crockpot.

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 with minimal effort? That’s where our crockpot carne asada recipe shines. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd.

People adore carne asada for its incredible versatility and bold, savory flavors. The combination of citrus, garlic, and spices creates a marinade that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with a vibrant taste that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re piling it high on tacos, stuffing it into burritos, or enjoying it as a main course with rice and beans, this crockpot carne asada is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The slow cooking process ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth. Plus, the hands-off nature of the crockpot makes it a stress-free way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. 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 1/2 cup)
• 1 lime, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Your favorite toppings: guacamole, salsa, sour cream, etc.

Preparing the Marinade:

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

1. Juice the Citrus: First, juice your orange and lime. You should get about 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1/4 cup of lime juice. Freshly squeezed is always best for the brightest flavor!
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, and olive oil. Make sure everything is well combined. The olive oil helps to carry the flavors and keeps the meat moist during cooking.
3. Add the Aromatics and Spices: Now, add the minced garlic, jalapeno (if using), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Whisk everything together until the spices are evenly distributed. Give it a taste and adjust the salt if needed. Remember, you can always add more later, but you can’t take it away!

Marinating the Steak:

Now that we have our delicious marinade, it’s time to get the steak soaking in all that goodness. This step is crucial for tender and flavorful carne asada.

1. Prepare the Steak: Lay the flank steak or skirt steak on a cutting board. If your steak is particularly thick, you can score it lightly in a crosshatch pattern. This helps the marinade penetrate deeper and also helps to tenderize the meat. Don’t cut too deep, just enough to break the surface fibers.
2. Combine Steak and Marinade: Place the steak in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s completely coated. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. If using a dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Marinate in the Refrigerator: Place the steak in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be. I usually aim for at least 8 hours, but even 4 hours will make a difference. If you’re short on time, even a couple of hours is better than nothing!

Slow Cooking the Carne Asada:

Here comes the easy part! The slow cooker does all the work for us. This method results in incredibly tender and juicy carne asada that practically melts in your mouth.

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This will prevent the steak from sticking.
2. Layer the Onions: Spread the thinly sliced onions in the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a bed for the steak and adds flavor as it cooks. The onions will caramelize and become incredibly sweet and tender.
3. Place the Steak on Top: Remove the steak from the marinade and place it on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Don’t discard the marinade just yet!
4. Pour Remaining Marinade: Pour the remaining marinade over the steak. This will keep the steak moist and flavorful as it cooks.
5. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the thickness of the steak. The steak is done when it’s easily shredded with a fork.

Shredding and Broiling (Optional):

This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for that authentic carne asada texture and flavor. Broiling the shredded meat gives it a slightly crispy and charred edge that’s just irresistible.

1. Shred the Steak: Once the steak is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the steak into bite-sized pieces. Be careful, it will be hot!
2. Broil (Optional): Preheat your broiler to high. Spread the shredded steak on a baking sheet in a single layer. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crispy and charred. Watch it carefully, as it can burn quickly!

Serving and Enjoying:

Finally, the best part! It’s time to assemble your carne asada and enjoy the fruits of your labor. There are so many ways to serve this delicious dish, so get creative!

1. Warm Your Tortillas: If you’re making tacos or burritos, warm your tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet, in the microwave, or over an open flame. Warming them makes them more pliable and prevents them from tearing.
2. Assemble Your Tacos or Burritos: Fill your tortillas with the shredded carne asada. Add your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges.
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy! Carne asada is also great in salads, bowls, or even on its own with a side of rice and beans.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeno to your liking. If you don’t like spice, omit it altogether. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Citrus: Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits. A combination of orange, lime, and grapefruit can add a unique flavor.
• Beer: Add 1/2 cup of your favorite Mexican beer to the marinade for extra flavor.
• Smoked Flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the marinade for a smoky flavor.
• Storage: Leftover carne asada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cooked and shredded carne asada freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Tacos: The classic choice! Serve with your favorite toppings.
• Burritos: Load up a large tortilla with carne asada, rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
• Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with carne asada and cheese, then grill or pan-fry until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Salads: Top a bed of lettuce with carne asada, black beans, corn, avocado, and a cilantro-lime dressing.
• Bowls: Create a delicious bowl with rice, beans, carne asada, and your favorite toppings.
• Nachos: Load tortilla chips with carne asada, cheese, jalapenos, and your favorite toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted.

Essential Tools:

• Slow Cooker
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Resealable Bag or Shallow Dish
• Forks (for shredding)
• Baking Sheet (optional, for broiling)

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Carne Asada recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible, authentic taste makes it a weeknight winner and a party pleaser all rolled into one. Forget slaving over a hot grill for hours – this method delivers incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful carne asada with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the marinade to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in a depth of flavor you simply can’t achieve with traditional grilling.

But the best part? The versatility! While this recipe is fantastic as is, the possibilities are truly endless. Imagine piling it high on warm corn tortillas with a dollop of guacamole, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for classic tacos. Or, how about using it as a topping for nachos, creating a loaded carne asada fries masterpiece, or even incorporating it into a vibrant and flavorful burrito bowl? For a lighter option, try serving it over a bed of crisp lettuce with your favorite salsa and a dollop of sour cream.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Tacos: Warm corn or flour tortillas, guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite salsa.
* Nachos: Tortilla chips, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream, and jalapeños.
* Fries: Crispy french fries, melted cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
* Burrito Bowls: Rice, black beans, corn, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded lettuce.
* Salad: Mixed greens, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and a cilantro-lime vinaigrette.
* Quesadillas: Melted cheese, sautéed peppers and onions, and your favorite toppings.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and sides to create your own signature carne asada dish! For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try adding a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar. And for a truly authentic touch, consider using Mexican oregano instead of regular oregano.

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe and discover just how easy and delicious homemade Crockpot Carne Asada can be. It’s a game-changer, I promise! The aroma alone will have your family and neighbors drooling.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to experience carne asada perfection. Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve it with a unique side dish? Let’s inspire each other and create a community of carne asada enthusiasts! Happy cooking!