Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos are the perfect way to bring the flavors of Mexico right to your dinner table. These mouthwatering tacos are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making them suitable for any occasion—from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. The slow-cooked flank steak becomes tender and juicy, ensuring every bite is a delight. Your family will love customizing their tacos with various toppings, creating a fun and interactive meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just toss everything into the crock pot and let it do the work for you.
- Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and lime juice enhances the meat’s natural taste, resulting in a delicious dish.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve as street tacos or enjoy with rice and beans for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone can customize their tacos with favorite toppings, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having the right equipment can make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot)
- Skillet or Griddle
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker (Crock Pot): Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender meat with minimal effort.
- Skillet or Griddle: Perfect for warming tortillas until they’re soft and ready to be filled.
Ingredients
For the Carne Asada
- 1 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 lbs flank steak
- 1/2 white onion (chopped)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 bundle cilantro (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 fresh limes (juiced)
For Serving
- 1/4 cup butter
- 24 mini corn tortillas
How to Make Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Place the steak in a crock pot. Rub the olive oil over the steak evenly.
Step 2: Season the Meat
In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cumin. Rub this spice mixture thoroughly over the steak.
Step 3: Add Fresh Ingredients
Top the seasoned steak with lime juice from one lime, chopped cilantro, and diced onions. Pour beef broth around the steak in the crock pot.
Step 4: Cook Your Carne Asada
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until tender.
Step 5: Shred the Beef
Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks. Squeeze juice from the remaining lime over the shredded meat for added flavor.
Step 6: Prepare Tortillas
Melt butter in a large skillet or on a griddle. Fry mini corn tortillas in melted butter for about one minute until soft.
Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos
Allow tortillas to cool slightly before topping them with shredded beef and your favorite taco toppings. I recommend using two mini corn tortillas per taco for extra support!
Enjoy your delightful Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos!
How to Serve Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos
Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos are versatile and can be dressed up or down. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos can be served in various delightful ways.
Taco Bar
- Create a taco bar with all the fixings. Allow guests to customize their tacos with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.
Fresh Salsa
- Serve with fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. This adds a refreshing kick that complements the beef beautifully.
Pickled Onions
- Offer pickled red onions for a tangy crunch. Their vibrant color also adds visual appeal to your dish.
Avocado Slices
- Add slices of creamy avocado for richness. They pair perfectly with the savory flavors of the carne asada.
Lime Wedges
- Provide lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus. Squeezing lime over the tacos enhances their flavor profile.
Chopped Cilantro
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over each taco for freshness. It not only boosts flavor but also adds a pop of color.
How to Perfect Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos
To make your Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos even better, consider these handy tips.
Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, marinate the steak overnight in the seasoning mix before cooking.
Use Quality Meat: Choose high-quality flank steak for tenderness and rich taste. Look for well-marbled cuts.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer spicier tacos, add more chili powder or include jalapeños in your toppings.
Warm Tortillas Properly: Ensure tortillas are warmed evenly in butter. This enhances their flavor and texture.
Don’t Rush Cooking: Allow enough cooking time for the meat to become tender and flavorful. Low and slow is best.
Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like feta cheese or corn salsa for unique flavor combinations.
Best Side Dishes for Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos
Pair your Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos with delicious sides to create a complete meal. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish seasoned with spices, perfect for soaking up taco juices.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and make a hearty accompaniment to your meal.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, and chili powder offers a tasty side.
- Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip is always a hit and goes wonderfully with tacos.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa make an excellent starter or snack.
- Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, and diced peppers adds brightness to your plate.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in lime juice provides a cool contrast to spicy tacos.
- Corn Tortilla Chips: Serve crispy chips alongside for additional crunch and enjoyment!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the steak can lead to bland flavors. Always marinate for at least an hour or overnight for the best taste.
- Overcooking the Meat: Cooking for too long can make the beef dry. Follow the recommended cooking times of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
- Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale spices can diminish flavor. Always use fresh spices and herbs for a vibrant taste.
- Using Regular Tortillas: Regular corn tortillas tend to break easily. Opt for mini corn tortillas, as they hold fillings better and enhance the taco experience.
- Neglecting Toppings: Skipping toppings can make your tacos less appealing. Add fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime juice for an extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Best used within 2-3 months for quality retention.
Reheating Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, covering with a damp paper towel to keep moisture.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a skillet, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos.
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or chuck roast, but cooking times may vary.
How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level is adjustable based on your choice of chili powder and toppings. Feel free to add jalapeños for extra heat!
What sides pair well with these tacos?
Rice, beans, or a fresh salad complement these tacos perfectly, enhancing your meal experience.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the steak a day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
These Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings like avocado or salsa. They’re perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a flavorful journey!
Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with these Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos. This recipe offers a delightful blend of tender, slow-cooked flank steak seasoned to perfection, making it an ideal choice for any meal—from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Each taco invites your family to customize their experience with fresh toppings, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their personal twist on this classic dish. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking process, you’ll savor the rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for a taco bar or as a quick family dinner, these tacos are sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 3 lbs flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 white onion (chopped)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Juice of 2 limes
- Mini corn tortillas
Instructions
- Rub the flank steak with olive oil and season with garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin.
- Place the seasoned steak in the crock pot; add chopped onions, lime juice, and beef broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Shred the beef and squeeze additional lime juice over it.
- Warm mini corn tortillas in a skillet with melted butter.
- Assemble tacos with shredded beef and desired toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
