If you’ve been searching for a phenomenal, fuss-free meal that brings big, deep flavors straight to your dinner table, you have to try this Crockpot Beef Carnitas Recipe. It’s a juicy, tender celebration of savory spices, slow-cooked to perfection until the beef melts in your mouth. This dish truly captures the essence of traditional carnitas while giving it a rich beef twist that’s utterly irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe combines simple ingredients with the magic of slow cooking, resulting in a hearty meal that feels like a warm, delicious hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Beef Carnitas Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role, lending layers of flavor, aromatic warmth, or essential richness. From the robust chuck roast to the fragrant spices, every component works together to create a perfectly balanced carnitas experience.
- Kosher salt: enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the beef for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Garlic powder: adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: brings a sweet and mellow onion undertone that complements fresh onion slices.
- Paprika: gives a smoky, slightly sweet hint that rounds out the spices beautifully.
- Ground cumin: delivers an earthy warmth that is signature to Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Dried oregano: lifts the beef with a floral, slightly bitter brightness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): add a gentle kick for those who love a little heat.
- Chuck roast (cubed): juicy and well-marbled, perfect for slow cooking into tender carnitas.
- Beef stock: provides the moist cooking environment and enriches the carnitas with deep savory notes.
- Onion (thinly sliced): adds texture and sweetness as it slowly cooks down.
- Garlic clove (smashed): infuses a fragrant punch throughout the cooking process.
- Bay leaf: imparts a subtle herbal aroma that layers complexity into the dish.
- Olive oil: helps sear and bring fabulous caramelized flavor before slow cooking.
- Tortillas, shredded cheese, salsa, lime wedges, and your favorite toppings: essential for serving and customizing your carnitas experience.
How to Make Crockpot Beef Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Rub and Beef
Start by mixing the kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This flavorful rub will be the foundation of your carnitas’ magic. Rub the mixture generously onto your cubed chuck roast pieces, making sure every side is coated. This seasoning ensures every bite bursts with balanced, warm spices.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned beef cubes in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, and sear them until browned on all sides. This step locks in juices and adds a beautiful caramelized crust that deepens the overall richness of your Crockpot Beef Carnitas Recipe.
Step 3: Transfer to Crockpot and Add Aromatics
Once seared, transfer the beef to your slow cooker. Add the sliced onions, smashed garlic clove, and bay leaf to infuse the dish with layers of sweet and savory aromatics. Pour in the beef stock, which will keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours (approximately 250 minutes), or until the beef is fork-tender and shreds easily. Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to break down into rich, succulent carnitas.
Step 5: Shred and Crisp the Carnitas
When your Crockpot Beef Carnitas Recipe is ready, remove the beef and shred it with two forks. For that classic crispy texture, spread the shredded carnitas on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes, or pan-fry in a skillet until edges are delightfully crisped. This finishing touch takes the dish from perfect to unforgettable.
How to Serve Crockpot Beef Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
Simple accompaniments can elevate your carnitas to a vibrant feast. Think freshly chopped cilantro, diced white onions, creamy guacamole, and a squeeze of lime juice for zesty brightness. Don’t forget tangy pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite salsa to add irresistible contrast in every bite.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp cabbage slaw bring balance and variety to your meal. These sides not only complement the richness of the beef but also add wonderful textures and colors to your plate, making the whole experience more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Why stick to just tacos? Try serving your Crockpot Beef Carnitas Recipe in warm corn tortillas topped with queso fresco and sliced radishes, or pile it over crispy tostadas for extra crunch. It also works beautifully as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or even as a hearty topping for loaded nachos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover carnitas keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal or lunch option.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your shredded carnitas in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Be sure to remove excess air to preserve freshness and flavor when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef stock or water to keep it moist. Alternatively, warm it in the microwave, covering the dish loosely to retain steam for tender results.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Crockpot Beef Carnitas Recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, brisket or even beef short ribs can be great substitutes, though cooking times might vary slightly.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a mild warmth from the red pepper flakes, which you can easily omit or increase depending on your heat preference. It’s versatile enough to adjust to any spice level.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt this for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the meat, then cooking under high pressure for about 60-70 minutes followed by a natural release.
What should I serve with these beef carnitas for a crowd?
Triple a taco bar with plenty of tortillas, salsas, fresh toppings, beans, rice, and perhaps some grilled veggies, so everyone can build their dream taco.
Is it okay to use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Definitely! Both work wonderfully, with corn tortillas offering a more traditional flavor and flour tortillas providing a softer, pliable texture. Choose whichever you prefer.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crockpot Beef Carnitas Recipe enough for anyone who loves tender, flavorful meat with a sprinkle of spice and effortless preparation. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels special but is incredibly simple to make. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again when you want something comforting, delicious, and hassle-free. Go ahead, dive into these luscious carnitas and enjoy every bite!
Print
Crockpot Beef Carnitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Crockpot Beef Carnitas recipe offers tender, flavorful shredded beef seasoned with a blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or a Mexican-inspired meal, this easy slow cooker dish requires minimal prep and yields juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat ready to be paired with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Meat and Broth
- 1 pound chuck roast, cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup beef stock
Aromatics
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 bay leaf
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Tortillas, shredded cheese, salsa, lime wedges, and your favorite toppings, for serving
Instructions
- Season the beef: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the cubed chuck roast pieces to ensure the meat is well seasoned.
- Sear the beef: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned beef cubes in batches and brown them on all sides to develop flavor. This step is optional but recommended for deeper taste.
- Prepare the crockpot: Place the thinly sliced onion, smashed garlic clove, and bay leaf into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared beef on top of the aromatics.
- Add beef stock and cook: Pour the beef stock over the meat and aromatics. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for approximately 4 hours (250 minutes), or until the beef is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the beef: Once cooked, remove the beef from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot and mix with the juices for added flavor.
- Serve: Serve the shredded carnitas with warm tortillas, shredded cheese, salsa, lime wedges, and your favorite toppings for a delicious Mexican meal.
Notes
- You can omit red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances the flavor but can be skipped to save time.
- Leftover carnitas can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For extra crispy carnitas, spread the shredded beef on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes before serving.
