Crockpot Carne Asada

This Crockpot Carne Asada recipe transforms flank steak into a tender, flavorful dish with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb a zesty citrus marinade, resulting in juicy slices perfect for tacos, burritos, or over rice. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table with ease.

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada:

2 pounds flank steak
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 orange)
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
¼ cup soy sauce (or gluten-free alternative)
2 tablespoons white vinegar

Optional Additions:

Pico de gallo
Corn tortillas
Avocado slices
Cotija cheese or crumbled feta

Directions

Prepare the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
Season the Steak: Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the flank steak.
Prepare the Marinade: In a separate bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and white vinegar.
Assemble in Crockpot: Lightly grease the crockpot. Place the seasoned steak inside and pour the marinade over the top.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until the steak is tender.
Rest and Slice: Remove the steak from the crockpot and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice thinly against the grain.
Serve: Return the sliced steak to the crockpot to soak in the juices. Serve with warm corn tortillas, pico de gallo, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese or crumbled feta.

Nutritional Information (per serving, without optional toppings)

Calories: 407
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 136mg
Sodium: 1232mg
Potassium: 907mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 50g
Vitamin A: 9% DV
Vitamin C: 22% DV
Calcium: 6% DV
Iron: 26% DV

What Makes Carne Asada Special?

Carne Asada, which translates to “grilled beef” in Spanish, typically refers to flank or skirt steak marinated in a combination of citrus juices, garlic, onion, and various seasonings. The marinade is the heart of this dish, imparting rich flavors while also helping to tenderize the meat. The cooking method used in the crockpot amplifies these qualities, resulting in a perfectly cooked piece of meat that’s juicy and bursting with flavor.

Traditional carne asada is often grilled over an open flame, but using a crockpot transforms the process, making it more hands-off and suitable for all kinds of occasions. Slow cooking allows the steak to absorb the flavors of the marinade while becoming fork-tender. The result is a rich, flavorful, and tender beef dish that’s ideal for tacos, burritos, salads, and even just served over rice or beans.

Why Use a Crockpot for Carne Asada?

Using a crockpot (slow cooker) offers several advantages that make it an ideal cooking method for carne asada:

Ease of Preparation: With the crockpot, you can just add the ingredients, set it, and forget it. There’s no need to stand over a grill or stove. Once you’ve marinated the steak and placed it in the crockpot, it does all the work for you.
Tender, Juicy Results: Slow cooking allows the meat to break down and become incredibly tender. The long cooking time at a low temperature gives the flavors time to develop fully, ensuring each bite is flavorful and juicy.
Convenience: Crockpots allow you to prepare the dish in advance, which is a lifesaver for busy people. You can set the crockpot in the morning and come home to a delicious meal that’s already ready to be served.
Hands-Off Cooking: Unlike grilling or pan-frying, which require your attention throughout the cooking process, the crockpot allows you to do other things while your meal cooks. It’s perfect for multitasking.
Affordable: Flank steak, the traditional cut for carne asada, is an affordable option compared to other cuts of beef, and slow cooking helps make even tougher cuts of meat tender and delicious.

The Marinade: The Key to Perfect Carne Asada

The marinade is the most important aspect of carne asada, and it plays a critical role in both flavor and tenderness. Typically, carne asada marinades consist of a combination of citrus juices (such as lime, lemon, and orange), soy sauce, garlic, onion, and a variety of spices. The acidity of the citrus fruits helps break down the meat fibers, making the steak tender and flavorful.

The combination of orange juice, lime juice, and lemon juice provides a balanced citrusy tang, while soy sauce adds saltiness and depth of flavor. Garlic, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder all contribute to the spice mix that makes carne asada so irresistible. These ingredients together create a complex marinade that complements the beef without overpowering its natural flavors.

By using a crockpot, the meat soaks up the marinade throughout the cooking process, which helps create a deep, rich flavor profile. This slow infusion of flavors is what makes crockpot carne asada a standout dish.

Serving Ideas for Crockpot Carne Asada

Once your carne asada is cooked to perfection, you’ll want to enjoy it with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas for serving this delicious dish:

Tacos: Soft corn tortillas are perfect for wrapping around slices of carne asada. Add some pico de gallo, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese for a simple yet satisfying taco. You can also add a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
Burritos: Carne asada also works beautifully in a burrito. Fill a large flour tortilla with the beef, along with rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole for a hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Salads: For a lighter option, serve the carne asada over a bed of greens with your favorite salad toppings. Add some black beans, corn, avocado, and a tangy dressing for a fresh, satisfying salad.
Rice and Beans: Serve the carne asada alongside some seasoned rice and beans for a comforting, classic meal that’s filling and flavorful.
Nachos: Top a plate of tortilla chips with the sliced carne asada, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños for a delicious snack or party dish.

Nutritional Benefits of Crockpot Carne Asada

In addition to being flavorful and versatile, crockpot carne asada can also be part of a balanced and nutritious meal. Beef is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. It’s also rich in iron, which helps carry oxygen throughout the body, and B-vitamins, which are important for energy production.

When paired with healthy toppings like avocado, pico de gallo, and whole-grain tortillas, carne asada becomes even more nutritious. Avocado adds healthy fats, while the citrus-based marinade provides a burst of vitamin C.

For those watching their sodium intake, using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling the amount of added salt can help make this dish more heart-healthy.

Conclusion

Crockpot Carne Asada is a flavorful, convenient, and versatile dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine to your kitchen with minimal effort. The slow-cooking process results in tender, juicy beef that’s packed with bold flavors from the citrus-based marinade and aromatic spices. Whether you serve it in tacos, burritos, or over rice, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. Just prep the ingredients, set the crockpot, and let the slow cooker do the work. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or hosting a family gathering, this recipe fits any occasion.

So, next time you’re looking for a delicious and fuss-free meal, try crockpot carne asada. It’s sure to impress your family and friends while making your life a little easier in the kitchen.

0 Shares