Description
This Slow Cooker Carne Asada is a flavorful, tender Mexican-style beef dish perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. Marinated with citrus, garlic, and spices, the steak is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in juicy, easy-to-shred meat with bold flavors. Easy to prepare and stress-free, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat
- 2–3 lbs. flank steak
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper
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
- Prepare the steak: Season the flank steak with salt and pepper, then pat in the spices to evenly coat the meat for enhanced flavor.
- (Optional) Sear the steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the flank steak on both sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side, to add depth of flavor and texture.
- Load the slow cooker: Place the seasoned (and optionally seared) flank steak into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Prepare 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 well combined. Pour this mixture over the meat in the slow cooker.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the beef: Remove the cooked flank steak onto a cutting board and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Combine and serve: Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker to soak up the juices, stir well, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Add fresh cilantro to the marinade for extra flavor.
- Spice it up by adding jalapenos or chipotle chili powder.
- Use this shredded beef in tacos, burritos, or as a protein topping for salads.
- For a smokier flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle chilis.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup shredded meat
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
