Are you looking for a mouthwatering taco recipe that practically cooks itself? Enter our crock pot carne asada tacos! Packed with robust flavors and enhanced by slow cooking, these tacos are a feast for the senses. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, they infuse traditional Mexican culinary flair into effortless stove-free preparation.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life:
- 2 lbs flank or skirt steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Optional toppings: salsa, sliced avocado, and crumbled cotija cheese
Equipments
- Crock Pot
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Pair of tongs
- Serving spoon
How to Make Crock Pot Carne Asada Tacos – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Begin by preparing the flank or skirt steak. Trim any excess fat and ensure the piece of meat fits your crockpot comfortably. Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and chili powder on both sides. Using a sharp knife, score the steak lightly in a crisscross pattern. This helps the flavors seep in during cooking, ensuring each slice bursts with taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In a pan with olive oil over medium heat, sauté the sliced onions until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This quick sauté adds depth to our dish, allowing the onions and garlic to caramelize lightly, creating a sweet and savory base for our carne asada.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Layer the sautéed onions and garlic at the bottom of your crockpot. Place the seasoned steak on top, and drizzle lime juice over the meat. The acidity from the lime juice not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the steak as it cooks slowly, making it even more irresistible.
Step 4: Set the Crock Pot
Set your crockpot to the low setting and cook for 7-8 hours. This slow cook allows the steak to become incredibly tender, with the flavors intensifying over time. Feel free to peek once or twice and stir the ingredients gently to help them blend well.
Step 5: Shred the Steak
Once the steak is cooked to absolute perfection, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using a pair of tongs or two forks, shred the steak along the grain into tender pieces. Return the shredded meat to the crockpot to absorb any remaining juices.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or your oven. Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded carne asada. Top with fresh cilantro, salsa, avocado slices, and crumbled cotija cheese if desired, enhancing the dining experience with vibrant flavors and colors.
How to Serve Crock Pot Carne Asada Tacos
These tacos are incredibly versatile and can be served alongside a light lettuce salad or a creamy coleslaw for added texture. Offering a side of black beans or Mexican rice can also round out the meal beautifully, completing a vibrant culinary experience.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To ensure carne asada tacos perfection, always let the steak rest before shredding, which keeps the meat juicy. Test the seasoning before serving and personalize with your favorite taco toppings for an authentic and memorable meal
Boost Your Meal: High Protein Version of Crock Pot Carne Asada Tacos
For a protein powerhouse, try adding black beans or crafting a tangy cabbage slaw with Greek yogurt as the base. These variants boost the protein content while keeping things delicious and vibrant. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that extra punch of umami-flavor magic!
Craving Low Carb? Try Our Low Carb Carne Asada Tacos Version
Trade the corn tortillas for lettuce wraps and enjoy a guilt-free taco experience. The carne asada’s robust flavors shine even brighter against the crisp, fresh crunch of lettuce. A sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of sour cream complete the culinary conversion without compromising flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, position the meat on a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. Freezing the shredded meat without any toppings ensures convenience for future taco emergencies.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, chicken breast or thighs can be used following the recipe process for a lighter option.
- Can I prepare the tacos without a crockpot? Certainly! A slow-cooking stovetop or oven method will also work, maintaining your cook time adjustments accordingly.
- How can I make the dish spicier? Add jalapeños or your preferred hot sauce to the crockpot for an added kick.
- Are there vegetarian alternatives for this recipe? Swap the beef for jackfruit or portobello mushrooms to enjoy a vegetarian version.
Your Thoughts Matter: Share and Enjoy This Taco Recipe
We’re so excited to hear how your tacos turned out! Snap a photo of your culinary masterpiece and share it with us. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love a good taco night!
Crock Pot Carne Asada Tacos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- flank or skirt steak
- olive oil
- garlic
- large onion
- lime juice
- chili powder
- cumin
- Salt and pepper
- corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro
- Optional toppings: salsa sliced avocado, and crumbled cotija cheese
Instructions
Steps
- Begin by preparing the flank or skirt steak. Trim any excess fat and ensure the piece of meat fits your crockpot comfortably. Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and chili powder on both sides. Using a sharp knife, score the steak lightly in a crisscross pattern.
- In a pan with olive oil over medium heat, sauté the sliced onions until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Layer the sautéed onions and garlic at the bottom of your crockpot. Place the seasoned steak on top, and drizzle lime juice over the meat.
- Set your crockpot to the low setting and cook for 7-8 hours. This slow cook allows the steak to become incredibly tender, with the flavors intensifying over time.
- Once the steak is cooked to absolute perfection, remove it from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using a pair of tongs or two forks, shred the steak along the grain into tender pieces.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or your oven. Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded carne asada. Top with fresh cilantro, salsa, avocado slices, and crumbled cotija cheese if desired.