If you’re looking for a delicious and effortless way to prepare a classic Mexican dish, look no further than this Carne Asada Crockpot Recipe. Imagine coming home after a long day to the tantalizing aroma of perfectly marinated flank steak, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This recipe not only delivers on flavor but also allows you to spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can whip up a meal that everyone will love.
This carne asada is bursting with vibrant flavors, thanks to a marinade made from fresh lime and orange juices, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. The slow cooking process ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender and easy to shred, making it perfect for tacos, burritos, or even a hearty salad. Plus, you can customize your toppings, making it a versatile dish that suits everyone’s tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Carne Asada Crockpot Recipe. For starters, it’s incredibly convenient. Simply marinate the steak in the morning, set it in the crockpot, and let it do its magic while you go about your day. By dinnertime, you’ll have a savory meal ready to serve without spending hours in the kitchen.
Moreover, the flavor profile is out of this world. The combination of citrus juices and spices gives the beef a zesty kick that’s perfectly balanced. Each bite is a fiesta of flavors, complemented by the warmth of freshly made tortillas and a variety of toppings. You can enjoy a classic Mexican meal without needing a culinary degree.
Another reason to love this recipe is its adaptability. Whether you want to serve the carne asada in tacos with fresh cilantro and onion, or piled on a burrito with avocado and salsa, the options are endless. You can even repurpose the leftovers into quesadillas or nachos for a fun twist. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a foundation for many delicious dishes to come!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Trying this Carne Asada Crockpot Recipe is a must for several reasons. First, it showcases the beauty of slow cooking. The low and slow method allows the flank steak to absorb all the flavors from the marinade, resulting in meat that is not only tender but also packed with taste. This method is particularly forgiving for those new to cooking, as there’s minimal risk of overcooking.
Additionally, this recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone who enjoys meal prepping. By preparing a large batch, you can easily feed a crowd or have delicious leftovers that can be used in various meals throughout the week. It’s an economical choice that saves time and effort.
Finally, this carne asada is ideal for entertaining. Impress your friends and family with a homemade feast that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. Serve it with a selection of toppings and sides, and watch your guests rave about the flavors. It’s a surefire way to elevate any gathering!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Tortillas (for serving)
- Toppings (such as diced onions, avocado, lime wedges, and salsa)
Recommended Tools or Utensils
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Medium mixing bowl for marinade
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Two forks for shredding the meat
Having these ingredients and tools ready ensures that your cooking experience will be smooth and enjoyable. If you want to explore more delicious options, check out these Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Bites or Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by making the marinade. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well mixed. This marinade is what gives the carne asada its bold flavor, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Take your flank steak and place it in the crockpot. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well coated. If desired, add the sliced jalapeño for an extra kick. The longer the steak marinates, the more flavorful it will be, so if you have time, let it sit in the refrigerator for an hour or more before cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the steak is tender and easily shredded. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become incredibly tender, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the marinade.
Step 4: Shred the Meat
Once cooked, remove the steak from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. This technique ensures that each bite is succulent and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve
Return the shredded meat to the crockpot to soak up more juices. Serve the carne asada in warm tortillas and top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, lime wedges, and salsa as desired. Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can also serve it alongside rice or beans for a heartier meal.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of meat for this Carne Asada Crockpot Recipe?
Yes, while flank steak is traditionally used, you can substitute with skirt steak or even chuck roast. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the cut you choose.
How can I store leftovers from this Carne Asada Crockpot Recipe?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the shredded carne asada for up to 3 months.
What are some good toppings for carne asada?
Great toppings include diced onions, fresh cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, salsa, and shredded cheese. You can also add pickled jalapeños for an extra kick!
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of jalapeño in the marinade or add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix for additional heat.
Conclusion
In summary, this Carne Asada Crockpot Recipe is not only easy to make but also delivers incredible flavor and versatility. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own with various toppings and sides!
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below with your thoughts on this recipe, and don’t forget to share it on social media. Happy cooking!

Carne Asada Crockpot Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Forks (for shredding)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Flank steak
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Lime juice
- 1/4 cup Orange juice
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 Jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- to taste Tortillas (for serving)
- to taste Toppings (diced onions, avocado, lime wedges, salsa)
Instructions
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
- Place the flank steak in the crockpot. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well coated. If desired, add the sliced jalapeño for an extra kick.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is tender and easily shredded.
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded meat to the crockpot to soak up more juices.
- Serve the carne asada in warm tortillas and top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, lime wedges, and salsa as desired.