Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas
If your slow-cooker has a removable crock, you can prep this the night before. Follow all steps up until cooking and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, put the crock in the slow cooker, set it to low, and you're ready to go!
If your slow-cooker has a removable crock, you can prep this the night before. Follow all steps up until cooking and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, put the crock in the slow cooker, set it to low, and you're ready to go!
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 green pepper sliced
- 1 red pepper sliced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 2-3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 onion sliced (i like sweet onions)
- 1 can diced green chiles (don't drain)
- corn tortillas*
- your favorite taco toppings: shredded lettuce salsa, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, cilantro, etc.
- Carbohydrate 3.23741868489583 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.171508033854167 g
- Fiber 0.98369075881814 g
- Protein 0.51581140625 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0322265299479167 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (44g)
- Sodium 5.06667447916667 mg
- Sugar 2.25372792607769 g
- Trans Fat 0.0530653307291667 g
- Calories 15 calories
Step-by-step
- If desired, brown your beef roast in a pan or Dutch oven. Heat a small drizzle of oil over medium heat, add the beef roast and cook 5-7 minutes per side, or until it's very browned and crisped.
- Place roast in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sprinkle spice mixture over the roast.
- Add onion, bell peppers, and green chiles over the roast as well.
- Cook on HIGH 3-4 hours or LOW 7-8 hours, or until beef is pull-apart tender. (You should be able to easily shred it with a fork or a pair of tongs).
My Favorite Weeknight Slow Cooker Meal: Beef Carnitas
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a monumental task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and keeping the house running smoothly, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often leaves me feeling overwhelmed. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for effortless weeknight dinners.
This Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas recipe is a perfect example of how simple and satisfying a slow cooker meal can be. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Minimal prep work is involved, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time. I often prepare this on a Sunday afternoon, knowing that a delicious, comforting meal awaits us at the end of a busy workday. The aroma alone is enough to bring the whole family together – it's that kind of magic that makes cooking so rewarding. The rich, tender beef practically falls apart at the touch of a fork, making it perfect for easy assembly into tacos.
The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, making it a practical choice for any weeknight dinner. I often use sweet onions for a touch of extra sweetness, which complements the savory spices perfectly. The combination of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder creates a delicious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. And, of course, no carnitas are complete without a selection of your favorite taco toppings! I love to have shredded lettuce, salsa, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro on hand for a truly customizable experience.
The best part? The leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. The flavors have time to fully develop, resulting in an even more flavorful and satisfying meal. It's the perfect way to stretch your dinner into lunch, saving you time and effort in the mornings. This recipe has become a weekly staple in my home, and I know it will quickly become a favorite in yours too.
Beyond the convenience, the versatility of this recipe is another major advantage. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. For a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder. If you prefer a leaner version, you can trim excess fat from the beef roast before cooking. You can also experiment with different types of peppers or add other vegetables to the slow cooker. The possibilities are endless!
Making this recipe is not just about the food itself; it's about making memories and sharing meals with loved ones. The aroma of the slow-cooked beef filling the house as the family gathers for dinner creates a heartwarming atmosphere that's truly invaluable. And the ease of preparation means I can actually relax and enjoy the meal with my family, rather than spending the entire evening slaving away in the kitchen.
So, next time you're looking for a simple yet delicious weeknight dinner, give this Slow Cooker Beef Carnitas recipe a try. I guarantee you'll love it as much as I do. It's the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and family-friendly fun – the kind of recipe that makes even the busiest weeknight feel a little brighter.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try searing the beef roast before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help to develop a deeper, richer flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions: Serve these delicious carnitas in warm corn tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. They also make a fantastic filling for burritos, tacos, or even salads.
Enjoy!
