Carne Asada, literally “grilled meat,” is a beloved Mexican dish often featuring thinly sliced, marinated beef, traditionally grilled over an open flame to achieve a smoky, charred flavor. While incredibly delicious, achieving authentic grilled carne asada at home can be time-consuming and requires specific equipment. What if you could capture that rich, savory essence with minimal effort, transforming tough cuts into fork-tender perfection? Enter the Crockpot Carne Asada.

This recipe takes the vibrant flavors of traditional carne asada—citrus, garlic, onion, and a hint of spice—and combines them with the unbeatable convenience of your slow cooker. The result is a deeply flavorful, incredibly tender beef that practically melts in your mouth, perfect for stuffing into tacos, burritos, or serving as a hearty main dish. It’s the ultimate solution for a weeknight dinner that tastes like it took hours of painstaking effort. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this incredibly simple yet profoundly delicious dish!

Crockpot Carne Asada

By: Julia Pacheco

Tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked with citrus and spices—this Crockpot Carne Asada makes taco night totally effortless.

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 7 hrs

Total: 7 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 4 servings

Print Recipe
Comment

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak
• 1 can diced green chili peppers
• 14 oz can fire roasted tomatoes
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt and black pepper (or to taste)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak: In a small bag or bowl, combine all the dry seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix them well. Thoroughly rub and work these spices into the flank steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. This initial seasoning is key to building a robust flavor profile.

2. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the fire-roasted tomatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, add the diced green chili peppers, followed by the finely chopped onion. Drizzle the fresh lime juice over these ingredients. Finally, carefully place the seasoned flank steak on top of everything, ensuring it rests comfortably amidst the aromatic base.

3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 7 hours, allowing the meat to slowly braise and absorb all the incredible flavors. Alternatively, if you’re shorter on time, you can cook it on the high setting for 4-5 hours. The meat is ready when it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.

4. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the flank steak from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the steak into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker with all the juices and vegetables. Give everything a really good stir to combine all the flavors. Serve warm in tortillas with your favorite burrito or taco toppings, such as fresh cilantro, diced onions, salsa, guacamole, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Why Choose Slow Cooker Carne Asada?

The slow cooker is a magical kitchen appliance, especially when it comes to transforming cuts of meat that might otherwise be tough. For carne asada, this method offers several compelling advantages:

• Effortless Preparation: A few minutes of prep in the morning, and dinner practically cooks itself. No constant monitoring or flipping required, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
• Incredible Tenderness: Low and slow cooking breaks down tough muscle fibers and connective tissue, resulting in beef that is unbelievably tender and easy to shred. This means even more affordable cuts of meat can become gourmet-worthy.
• Deep Flavor Infusion: The long cooking time allows the aromatic spices, vibrant citrus juices, and savory vegetables to thoroughly permeate the meat, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile that rivals traditional marinades.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Free up your evening to spend with family, catch up on chores, or simply relax while your kitchen fills with the enticing aromas of a delicious meal.
• Versatility: While perfectly designed for tacos, this shredded carne asada is also fantastic in burrito bowls, quesadillas, salads, or even on nachos, offering endless possibilities for meal customization.

Ingredient Spotlight and Pro Tips

Each ingredient in this Crockpot Carne Asada recipe plays a crucial role in building its signature flavor and texture. Understanding their purpose can help you customize the dish to your liking.

• Flank Steak (1 lb): While traditional carne asada often uses skirt or flank steak for grilling, the slow cooker excels with these cuts, turning them incredibly tender. You can also experiment with other cuts like chuck roast for an even richer, more fall-apart texture. If using a thicker cut, consider searing it briefly before adding to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful crust.
• Diced Green Chili Peppers (1 can): These add a mild, earthy heat and a touch of tanginess that complements the beef beautifully without being overly spicy. They contribute to the classic Southwestern flavor profile. If you prefer more heat, you could add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the canned chilies.
• Fire Roasted Tomatoes (14 oz can): Fire-roasted tomatoes bring a smoky depth and a rich, slightly sweet acidity that forms the base of the cooking liquid. The roasting process enhances their natural sweetness and complexity, elevating the overall taste of the dish.
• Onion, finely chopped (½ medium): Onion provides a foundational aromatic flavor. Finely chopping ensures it breaks down and melds seamlessly into the sauce during the long cooking process. White or yellow onions work best here, offering a sweet and pungent base.
• Lime, juiced (1 whole): Fresh lime juice is essential for brightening the flavors and adding a zesty kick. The acidity also helps to tenderize the meat further as it cooks. Don’t skip fresh lime for bottled juice – the difference in vibrant flavor is noticeable!
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder (½ tsp each): Staples in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, these powders provide consistent, well-distributed garlic and onion flavors throughout the dish. While fresh aromatics are great, powders ensure every bite is seasoned.
• Salt and Black Pepper (½ tsp each, or to taste): Fundamental seasonings that enhance all other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference; it’s always easier to add more later than to take it away.
• Cayenne Pepper (½ tsp): For that characteristic subtle warmth and a gentle kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce this amount or omit it entirely. For a bolder heat, feel free to increase it or add a pinch of chili powder.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

• Searing for Depth (Optional): For an even deeper flavor, quickly sear the flank steak on all sides in a hot skillet with a little oil before transferring it to the slow cooker. This caramelizes the exterior and adds a rich, savory crust.
• Don’t Peek Too Often: Resist the urge to lift the lid of your slow cooker frequently, as this releases heat and can extend the cooking time.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste the shredded meat and its juices. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or a final squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors right before serving.
• Rest the Meat: After shredding, let the meat rest in the warm juices for a few minutes. This allows it to absorb even more flavor and remain incredibly moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of slow cooker carne asada lies in its incredible versatility. While it’s famously delicious in tacos, here are a few other ideas to inspire your meal planning and impress your palate:

• Classic Tacos: The go-to choice! Warm corn or flour tortillas are a must. Top with your favorite fixings: fresh cilantro, finely diced white onion, a generous squeeze of lime, crumbled cotija cheese, your preferred salsa (verde or roja), a dollop of creamy guacamole, or cool sour cream.
• Burrito Bowls: For a healthier, gluten-free option, serve the tender carne asada over a bed of fluffy cilantro-lime rice. Add black beans, a vibrant corn salsa, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a satisfying and customizable meal.
• Quesadillas: Layer the flavorful shredded carne asada with your favorite melting cheese (like Monterey Jack or Oaxaca) between two tortillas. Grill until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Serve with extra salsa and sour cream for dipping.
• Nachos Supreme: Pile the savory meat over a heap of crispy tortilla chips with plenty of melted cheese, sliced jalapeños, black olives, and a drizzle of Mexican crema for an epic appetizer or a fun party meal.
• Hearty Salads: For a lighter, yet still satisfying option, add the cooled carne asada to a fresh green salad. Include crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing.
• Sandwiches or Sliders: Stuff the succulent beef into toasted crusty rolls or mini slider buns. Top with melted provolone or Oaxaca cheese and some quick pickled onions for a delicious and substantial sandwich.

Storage and Reheating

This slow cooker carne asada is excellent for meal prep and makes fantastic leftovers, ensuring you can enjoy its deliciousness for days.

• Storage: Store any leftover carne asada, along with its cooking juices, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The juices will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the shredded meat and its juices in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Ensure there’s minimal air in the container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through. If the meat appears a little dry, add a splash of beef broth or water to help rehydrate it.