Pressure Cooker Beef Carnitas
I came up with this recipe while cleaning out my refrigerator and trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. I LOVE how easy this is. My husband and I can have people over for a football game or a poker party, even on a weeknight. I work full time and have twin boys, but I still enjoy entertaining my friends and I dont want to sacrifice good food for convenience. I keep the rub in a plastic bag ready in my cupboard—I can get the roast in the slow cooker in less than 15 minutes before I leave for work in the morning.—Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida
I came up with this recipe while cleaning out my refrigerator and trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. I LOVE how easy this is. My husband and I can have people over for a football game or a poker party, even on a weeknight. I work full time and have twin boys, but I still enjoy entertaining my friends and I dont want to sacrifice good food for convenience. I keep the rub in a plastic bag ready in my cupboard—I can get the roast in the slow cooker in less than 15 minutes before I leave for work in the morning.—Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
- 1 (3 pounds) boneless beef chuck roast
- 2 large sweet onion thinly sliced
- 3 poblano pepper seeded and thinly sliced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped
- 16 flour tortillas (8 inches) warmed
- 3 cups crumbled queso fresco or shredded monterey jack c
- optional toppings: cubed avocado sour cream and minced fresh cilantro
- Carbohydrate 6.54007187457938 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 2.94347125035399 g
- Fiber 0.935456245365101 g
- Protein 0.766201875308073 g
- Saturated Fat 0.226672625040982 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings plus 1/4 cup leftover spice mixture. (60g)
- Sodium 507.155100926202 mg
- Sugar 5.60461562921428 g
- Trans Fat 0.110257687549708 g
- Calories 52 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix the first nine ingredients.
- Cut roast in half; rub with 1/4 cup spice mixture.
- Cover remaining mixture and store in a cool dry place. (Mix will keep for up to 1 year.)
- Select saute setting on a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker and adjust for high heat; add oil.
- Brown roast on all sides.
- Place onions and peppers on meat.
- Top with salsa.
- Lock lid; make sure vent is closed.
- Select manual setting; adjust pressure to high and set time for 40 minutes.
- When finished cooking, allow pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes and then quick-release any remaining pressure according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Remove roast; shred with two forks.
- Skim fat from cooking juices.
- Return meat to pressure cooker; heat through.
- Using a slotted spoon, place 1/2 cup meat mixture on each tortilla.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Add toppings of your choice.
Pressure Cooker Beef Carnitas: My Weeknight Secret Weapon
As a working mom of twins, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. Forget elaborate recipes and hours spent in the kitchen; my pressure cooker beef carnitas are my go-to for satisfying everyone, including myself, without sacrificing flavor or quality. This recipe came about during one of those "clean-out-the-freezer" moments. I had a leftover beef roast lurking in the back, and suddenly, inspiration struck. The result? A ridiculously simple and flavorful meal that's perfect for everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a fun get-together with friends. It's so adaptable, too; the spice rub is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and preparation time. I typically prepare the spice rub ahead of time – it stores perfectly in a sealed container and remains fresh for an extended period— and just before leaving for work, I add the roast to the pressure cooker. While I'm at work, the magic happens, producing a tender, succulent beef that requires minimal effort on my part when I return home. Once cooked, the beef shreds easily, transforming into irresistible carnitas. This recipe consistently receives rave reviews from my family and friends, proving its winning combination of taste, convenience, and ease of execution. It's easily scaled up or down depending on the number of people you are feeding, making it a flexible option for various occasions.
The versatility of this recipe extends beyond the dinner table. We've used these carnitas for everything from tacos to salads, and even as a filling for quesadillas. The leftover spice mixture is potent enough to use as a dry rub for other dishes, adding a burst of deliciousness to chicken, pork, or even vegetables. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a foundation for creativity in the kitchen, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences and available ingredients. With such a flexible and adaptable meal, it has become a mainstay in our home, allowing us to enjoy delicious, satisfying meals without the overwhelming time commitment many recipes often require. Whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a spontaneous gathering with friends, this pressure cooker beef carnitas delivers every time.
Beyond the Recipe: One of the things I love most about this recipe is the sense of accomplishment it provides. As a busy mom, feeling as if I've created a delicious, home-cooked meal without compromising my time or sanity is incredibly rewarding. This recipe represents the perfect balance between convenience and quality, allowing me to enjoy both simultaneously. And honestly, seeing the smiles on my family's faces while we're enjoying this dish is the best reward of all.
The delicious aroma that fills the house as the beef slow cooks is an added bonus. It's a subtle but inviting fragrance that signifies comfort and warmth—a feeling I strive to bring into our home every evening. This recipe isn't just about food; it’s about creating memories and strengthening bonds around a shared meal.
So, embrace the simplicity, the ease, and the incredibly satisfying flavor of pressure cooker beef carnitas. Give it a try – I promise, you won’t regret it. This isn't just a recipe; it’s a shortcut to deliciousness, a time-saver, and a stress-reliever all rolled into one.
