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Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos

These Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas Tacos are a must-try! Juicy beef and fresh toppings wrapped in warm tortillas make for an unforgettable meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Beef, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker, Tacos
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds flank steak
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium 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

Instructions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Serving platter

Notes

  • Adjust the spice levels by varying the cayenne pepper.
  • For a smoky flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika.
  • Consider adding black beans or corn during the last hour of cooking for extra texture.