Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe

If you’re craving the vibrant, mouthwatering flavors of authentic Mexican street food but want the ease of slow-cooked perfection, let me introduce you to the magic of Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos. This recipe brings together tender, juicy flank steak infused with bold spices and bright lime, slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth goodness. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have irresistible tacos bursting with flavor, perfect for any night of the week or a festive gathering with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, combining simple staples and fresh touches to build a deliciously balanced taco. From the punchy spices to the fresh cilantro and lime, these ingredients work in harmony to create meat that’s rich and flavorful, perfect for filling your tortillas.

• Olive oil: Helps sear the flank steak lightly to lock in flavor before slow cooking.
• Flank steak (3 lbs): A lean cut that becomes tender and juicy when simmered low and slow.
• White onion (1/2, chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat as it cooks.
• Beef broth (1 cup): Keeps the meat moist and infuses it with savory richness.
• Cilantro (1 bundle, chopped): Freshens each taco with its bright, herbaceous notes.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and earthiness.
• Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): A punch of aromatic intensity that elevates the spice mix.
• Chili powder (1 tablespoon): Brings a warm, smoky flavor signature to Carne Asada.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and a subtle smokiness that complements the beef.
• Cumin (1 teaspoon): Grounds the spice profile with a nutty, slightly sweet undertone.
• Fresh limes (2, juiced): Their zingy juice brightens the entire dish and balances the robust flavors.

How to Make Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Step 1: Preparing the Steak

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to sear the flank steak. This step is crucial for developing a rich, caramelized crust that locks in those juicy flavors before slow cooking. Sear the steak on both sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer it to your crock pot.

Step 2: Building the Flavor Base

In a bowl, combine the chopped white onion, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the mixture over the seared steak to coat it evenly with the spice blend and aromatics, creating a flavorful crust that will infuse the meat during cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cooking to Perfection

Pour the beef broth over the steak in the crock pot to keep it tender and juicy. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the meat to slowly absorb all the spices and flavors while becoming so tender it practically falls apart with a fork.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once the steak is perfectly cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, mixing everything together to give the tacos a fresh, zesty lift that’s signature to the best street tacos.

How to Serve Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Garnishes

The beauty of Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos is how easily they complement fresh, simple toppings. Comfort your tacos with diced onions, extra chopped cilantro, slices of fresh jalapeño for heat, or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. Don’t forget a wedge of lime on the side to brighten every bite with citrusy zing.

Side Dishes

A plate of these tacos pairs beautifully with traditional Mexican sides like a creamy guacamole spread, crunchy tortilla chips with fresh salsa, or a refreshing corn and black bean salad. You could also serve Mexican street corn (elote) to add a smoky, cheesy contrast that elevates your taco experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving these tacos on mini cast iron skillets or rustic wooden boards. You can offer a variety of salsas and hot sauces in small bowls for guests to customize their own tacos. Wrapping the tacos in parchment paper and bundling with twine creates a charming street-food vibe that’s both casual and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover carne asada keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so your next meal will be just as delicious if not more so.

Freezing

If you want to save the carne asada for longer, freeze the shredded meat in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the meat on the stove over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water to maintain juiciness. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can dry out the meat. Once warmed, it’s ready to get tucked back into your tortillas.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos?

Absolutely! While flank steak is traditional and tender when slow-cooked, skirt steak or even chuck roast can work well if you adjust cooking times to get that perfect tenderness.

Do I need to marinate the steak before slow cooking?

This recipe doesn’t require a long marinade thanks to the slow crock pot method, which allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat as it cooks, saving time without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?

Yes! You can cook the meat a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and then simply reheat when ready to serve. It makes hosting stress-free and still delicious.

What type of tortillas are best for these street tacos?

Traditional corn tortillas are the classic choice and hold up well to the juicy meat, but flour tortillas are fine too if that’s your preference. Warm them up just before serving for best texture.

How spicy are these tacos? Can I adjust the heat level?

The spice mix here is flavorful without being overly spicy, which makes it approachable for most palates. You can always add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños if you like your tacos with an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos that brings big city street food vibes right into your kitchen. Easy to make, bursting with flavor, and totally customizable, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for taco nights. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make those cozy meals unforgettable!

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