Can I use a different cut of meat for this slow cooker carne asada?

Absolutely! While flank steak is traditional, you can also use skirt steak for similar results. Chuck roast works well too, though it will have a different texture and more fat. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as thicker cuts may need the full 8 hours on low.

My carne asada seems too soupy. What happened?

Slow cookers trap moisture, which can sometimes result in more liquid than expected. If your finished dish has too much liquid, you can remove the meat, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan, and reduce it on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency. Then drizzle this concentrated sauce back over the meat.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe for the oven by placing the marinated meat in a covered Dutch oven or baking dish. Cook at 300°F for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender. You can also use a pressure cooker, cooking on high pressure for about 45 minutes with a natural release.

Is this carne asada spicy?

With just one jalapeño, this recipe has a mild to medium heat level that most people find pleasant rather than overwhelming. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For more heat, add an extra jalapeño or include some cayenne pepper.

Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 limes, juiced; 4 cloves garlic, minced and crushed; ½ cup orange juice; 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 jalapeno, minced; 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar; 2 pounds flank steak

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This mouthwatering Slow Cooker Carne Asada transforms an ordinary cut of beef into tender, flavor-packed meat with minimal effort. The combination of citrus, herbs, and spices creates an authentic Mexican-inspired dish that practically cooks itself. Perfect for busy days when you want an impressive meal without standing over the stove!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just 10 minutes of prep time, then your slow cooker does all the work! Toss everything in before leaving for work and come home to a delicious dinner.
Incredibly Tender Meat: The slow cooking process breaks down the flank steak’s tough fibers, resulting in meat that’s so tender it practically melts in your mouth.
Versatile: Use this carne asada in tacos, burritos, salads, or simply serve it with rice and beans for a complete meal.
Bold, Authentic Flavor: The marinade combines classic Mexican flavors that infuse deeply into the meat as it slowly cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Flank Steak: The star of the show! This lean cut becomes remarkably tender when slow-cooked and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Lime Juice: Provides brightness and acidity that helps tenderize the meat while adding authentic flavor.
Orange Juice: Adds natural sweetness that balances the acidity and helps break down the meat fibers.
Garlic: Minced garlic provides that essential savory foundation that makes everything taste better.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings that distinctive herbaceous quality that’s essential in authentic Mexican cuisine.
Jalapeño: Adds a gentle heat that elevates the other flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Olive Oil: Creates richness and helps the spices and flavors coat the meat thoroughly.
White Vinegar: Adds tanginess and works with the citrus juices to tenderize the meat.
Salt and Pepper: The essentials that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

Try Different Cuts: Skirt steak works beautifully as an alternative to flank. Chuck roast can also work if you prefer a fattier cut.
Pork Option: Substitute pork shoulder for a different flavor profile that’s equally delicious.

Heat Level Adjustments

Spicier Version: Add an extra jalapeño or include some cayenne pepper.
Milder Option: Remove the jalapeño seeds or substitute with a milder pepper like poblano.

Flavor Twists

Smoky Variation: Add a tablespoon of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
Sweet and Savory: Include a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to create a subtle caramelization.

How to Make Slow Cooker Carne Asada

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, crushed garlic, orange juice, chopped cilantro, salt, pepper, olive oil, minced jalapeño, and white vinegar until well combined. This vibrant mixture forms the flavor foundation of your carne asada.

Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker

Lay your flank steak in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging it so it sits flat. If needed, you can cut the steak into pieces to fit better.

Step 3: Add the Marinade

Pour the prepared marinade over the flank steak, making sure the meat is completely covered. Use a spoon to distribute some of the solid ingredients (garlic, jalapeño, cilantro) directly on top of the meat.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat often yields the most tender results.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Once cooked, carefully remove the steak from the cooking liquid. For a traditional carne asada presentation, slice the meat against the grain into thin strips. Alternatively, you can shred it using two forks for certain serving styles.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Sear for Extra Flavor: For deeper flavor, quickly sear the flank steak on both sides in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
Slice Properly: Always cut flank steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. Look for the lines in the meat and slice perpendicular to them.
Marinade Magic: For even more flavor penetration, score the surface of the meat lightly with a knife before adding to the slow cooker.
Reserve the Cooking Liquid: Don’t discard the flavorful cooking liquid! Strain it and serve on the side as a sauce or use it to keep leftover meat moist during storage.
Rest Before Slicing: Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to help retain juices.

How to Serve

Taco Night

Serve the carne asada in warm corn tortillas topped with diced onion, additional fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add sliced avocado or guacamole for creaminess.

Complete Meal

Create a fantastic dinner plate with Mexican rice, refried or black beans, and a side of grilled vegetables. Top the carne asada with a spoonful of the cooking liquid for extra flavor.

Fresh Options

For a lighter meal, serve the carne asada over a bed of lettuce with corn, black beans, avocado, and a cilantro-lime dressing for an incredible salad.

Breakfast Twist

Use leftover carne asada to create amazing breakfast burritos or huevos rancheros the next morning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep some of the cooking liquid with the meat to maintain moisture.

Freezing

This carne asada freezes beautifully! Portion it into meal-sized containers, include some cooking liquid, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes for fantastic quick meals down the road.

Reheating

Gently rewarm the meat in a skillet with a splash of water or some reserved cooking liquid to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it at medium power, covered with a damp paper towel.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat for this slow cooker carne asada?

Absolutely! While flank steak is traditional, you can also use skirt steak for similar results. Chuck roast works well too, though it will have a different texture and more fat. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as thicker cuts may need the full 8 hours on low.
My carne asada seems too soupy. What happened?

Slow cookers trap moisture, which can sometimes result in more liquid than expected. If your finished dish has too much liquid, you can remove the meat, transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan, and reduce it on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency. Then drizzle this concentrated sauce back over the meat.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe for the oven by placing the marinated meat in a covered Dutch oven or baking dish. Cook at 300°F for about 3 hours, or until the meat is tender. You can also use a pressure cooker, cooking on high pressure for about 45 minutes with a natural release.
Is this carne asada spicy?

With just one jalapeño, this recipe has a mild to medium heat level that most people find pleasant rather than overwhelming. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For more heat, add an extra jalapeño or include some cayenne pepper.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Carne Asada brings restaurant-quality Mexican flavor to your kitchen with hardly any effort. The beauty lies in its simplicity – a handful of fresh ingredients, a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker transforms an ordinary cut of beef into something truly special. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation!