Lunch & Dinner

Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos – Hearty Food Ideas

Name: Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos – Hearty Food Ideas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated; 1 tablespoon smoky chipotle chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika; 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 and zest juice of fresh lime; 1/2 cup Mexican lager beer; kosher salt, to taste; 1 tablespoon wildflower honey; 2 pounds skirt steak; Warmed corn or flour tortillas; Shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce; Fresh jalapeños; Sliced avocado; Pickled red onions; Crumbled feta cheese; 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 4 large potatoes, cut into ¼-inch thick matchsticks; kosher salt, to taste; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1-2 garlic cloves, finely grated; 1 and zest juice of lime; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

Glennis Annis June 10, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before diving into the magic of Crockpot carne asada tacos, let’s chat about wonderful sides that elevate this dish into an unforgettable meal. First off, you can serve these tacos with Mexican-style rice; it’s colorful, fluffy, and full of flavor. Need a crunch? Add fresh guacamole or some freshly made salsa.

Don’t overlook refried beans — their creamy texture balances the hearty meat. Feeling adventurous?

A corn salad adds a sweet, juicy burst that’s hard to resist. Pair these with a light, refreshing beverage like horchata or even a simple lemonade to cleanse the palate and keep the flavors bright.

Now, let’s get into the fun part.

What are Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos?

Crockpot carne asada tacos are a delightful twist on classic Mexican fare. “Carne asada” translates to “grilled meat,” typically beef. Pairing this with slow cooking in a crockpot allows for a tender, juicy result that retains the spices and flavors beautifully.

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in how simple it is, but also in how you can customize it. Want heat? Add more jalapeños! Prefer a fresher taste? Pile on the cilantro!

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Imagine a bold burst of smoky flavors from chipotle, complemented by garlic’s warmth and the zesty tang of lime. The marinade also introduces a hint of sweetness from honey and the rustic depth from ground spices like cumin and paprika.

Together, these elements create a balanced and vibrant taco experience. Each bite draws you into a fiesta of flavors that dance with every crunch and chew.

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll adore this dish not just for its mouth-watering taste but also for its convenience. Toss the ingredients in your crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have beautifully cooked carne asada ready to fill your tortillas.

Perfect for busy weekdays or a weekend gathering, there’s something here for everyone. And did I mention the joy of leftovers? They can be just as enjoyable the next day.

Ingredients

Let’s gather the essentials.

Flank Steak Marinade

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
1 tablespoon smoky chipotle chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
zest and juice of 1 fresh lime
1/2 cup Mexican lager beer
kosher salt, to taste
1 tablespoon wildflower honey
2 pounds skirt steak

For Serving:

Warmed corn or flour tortillas
Shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce
Fresh jalapeños
Sliced avocado
Pickled red onions
Crumbled feta cheese

Mexican-Style Fries

1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
4 large potatoes, cut into ¼-inch thick matchsticks
kosher salt, to taste
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cilantro Garlic Lime Crema

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely chopped
1-2 garlic cloves, finely grated
zest and juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together all the marinade ingredients. Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, onion flakes, cumin, lime zest, lime juice, beer, salt, and honey. This mixture will infuse the steak with amazing flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place the skirt steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the meat is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight for even better results.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Steak

Once it’s time to cook, remove the steak from the marinade and place it in your crockpot. Pour any remaining marinade into the pot over the steak. Set your crockpot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours.

Step 4: Prepare the Mexican-Style Fries

While the steak is cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss your cut potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, coriander, and smoked paprika.

Spread the fries evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Shred the Meat

When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the steak from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. It should pull apart easily.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Grab your warmed tortillas. Layer the shredded carne asada, followed by toppings like shredded lettuce, jalapeño slices, avocado, pickled onions, and feta cheese.

Step 7: Make the Cilantro Garlic Lime Crema

In a small bowl, mix together the cilantro, green onions, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, honey, and Greek yogurt or sour cream. This zesty crema will add a creamy finish to each bite of taco.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few insights to enhance your taco night:

Marinate Longer: If timing allows, marinate your steak overnight. It results in deeper flavors.
Meat Alternatives: If you want to switch it up, consider using chicken or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Add Spice: For an added kick, consider tossing in a few diced habaneros into your marinade. Just be mindful of heat levels!
Warm Tortillas: Always warm your tortillas before serving. This can be done in a skillet or wrapped in foil and warmed in the oven.
Build Flavor: Create a flavor station with toppings. Let guests customize their own tacos.

How Can You Store This Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos?

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them:

Cool Down: Allow the meat and fries to cool completely.
Use Airtight Containers: Place them in airtight containers for optimal freshness.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze for Future Meals: If you want to store it longer, freeze the shredded carne asada in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just defrost and reheat when ready to use again.

Ingredient Alternatives

If any ingredients are missing from your pantry, don’t fret! Here are some alternative suggestions:

Flank Steak: If you can’t find flank steak, sirloin steak works well too. It’s slightly leaner but still tender.
Chipotle Chili Powder: In absence of this, regular chili powder combined with a bit of smoked paprika can mimic that smoky flavor.
Mexican Lager Beer: If you’d rather skip the alcohol, beef broth or even apple cider vinegar (for a tangy kick) can replace the beer.

Conclusion

There you have it, my friends! Crockpot carne asada tacos that are simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for any gathering.

With all the flavors wrapped in those warm, soft tortillas and topped with vibrant ingredients, it’s a culinary adventure you don’t want to miss.

So go ahead, gather those close to you, get your crockpot ready, and create a feast that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Trust me, they won’t be able to resist! Thank you for joining me on this delicious journey. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

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Print Recipe

Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos – Hearty Food Ideas

Author: Glennis Annis Cuisine: Mexican Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 4 hrs Total Time 4 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 606 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Today, I'm thrilled to share my take on Crockpot carne asada tacos. Don’t you just love a recipe that almost cooks itself while you go about your day?

This dish transforms humble ingredients into a feast that brings friends and family together. As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I enjoy bringing wholesome, uncomplicated meals to the table. Trust me; once you try this dish, you’ll want to put it on repeat.

We know that tacos bring out smiles and laughter. But what distinguishes this recipe is the tender, marinated meat that practically melts in your mouth, thanks to the slow cooking process.

And let’s not forget about customizing the toppings; you’re in control here!