Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, look no further than these Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos. Tender, juicy beef, seasoned to perfection, and wrapped in warm corn tortillas make for a perfect family dinner or a gathering with friends. The best part? They practically cook themselves while you go about your day. Whether you’re hosting a game day or just craving some delicious comfort food, these tacos are sure to impress!

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

There’s something magical about tacos that brings people together. The Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos are versatile and can cater to a variety of tastes. From the succulent beef to the fresh toppings, everyone can customize their taco just the way they like it. Plus, the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a robust and satisfying meal that will have your guests coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients at a Glance

• 2 pounds flank steak
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 seeded jalapeño, diced (about ½ cup)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Corn tortillas
• Sliced avocado
• Cilantro
• Salsa
• Limes

Must-Have Equipment

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the flank steak low and slow to achieve the perfect tenderness.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping the vegetables and slicing the cooked beef with ease.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface to work on when prepping your ingredients.
• Serving Platter: To display your delicious tacos and toppings for everyone to enjoy.

Method: Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by placing the 2 pounds of flank steak into your slow cooker. This cut is perfect for carnitas as it becomes incredibly tender when cooked low and slow.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Next, chop the 1 medium yellow onion, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, and 1 seeded jalapeño. The colorful veggies not only add flavor but also a vibrant look to your dish.

Step 3: Season It Up

In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, followed by the chopped vegetables.

Step 4: Add Liquid

Pour in about ½ cup of water or beef broth to help create steam in the slow cooker. This will keep the beef moist as it cooks.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. The longer you can let it go, the more flavorful and tender your beef will be.

Step 6: Shred the Beef

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the beef from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7: Warm the Tortillas

While the beef is resting, warm the corn tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or until they are pliable.

Step 8: Assemble Your Tacos

Now it’s time for the fun part! Take a warm tortilla and fill it with shredded beef. Top it off with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Don’t forget your favorite salsa to add that extra zing!

In-Season Swaps

• Seasonal Peppers: Feel free to swap bell peppers with seasonal varieties like poblano or even sweet mini peppers for a different flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs: Instead of cilantro, you could use fresh parsley or even mint for a twist.
• Salsas: Experiment with different salsas, like mango or pineapple salsa, that are in season for an added sweetness.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

This Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos recipe is incredibly forgiving. You can adjust the spice levels according to your preference; simply decrease or increase the cayenne pepper as desired. If you love a smoky flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika to the spice mix. Additionally, if you’d like to make it a one-pot meal, you can throw in some black beans or corn during the last hour of cooking for added texture and flavor.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To rewarm, simply heat the beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave the beef for about 1-2 minutes, just be sure to cover it to retain moisture. Tortillas can be warmed again in a dry skillet or wrapped in a damp paper towel and microwaved for a few seconds.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute flank steak with cuts like chuck roast or brisket. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut.

How spicy are these carnitas tacos?

The spice level can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer milder tacos, you can reduce the jalapeño or omit the cayenne pepper.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up before serving, and you’ll have a quick and delicious meal ready to go.

What toppings do you recommend?

Besides the avocado, cilantro, and salsa, feel free to add toppings like diced onions, sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced radishes for extra crunch and flavor!

See You at the Table

These Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos are a fantastic way to bring flavor and joy to your dining table. The combination of tender beef, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas creates a taco experience that’s hard to beat. So gather your loved ones, set out the toppings, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Happy cooking!