Beef Carnitas Recipe
If you’re on a quest for ultra-satisfying, flavor-packed tacos, this Beef Carnitas Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It takes the soul of traditional pork carnitas and gives it a beefy twist, slow-cooked until meltingly tender, then finished under the broiler for those irresistible crispy edges. Whether you pile it into warm tortillas or spoon it over a bowl of rice, this dish delivers bold Mexican flavors with the kind of ease that makes it perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. Get ready to savor every juicy, citrus-kissed bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Beef Carnitas Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients—each one bringing something special to the table. From the richness of beef chuck to the brightness of citrus and the warmth of classic spices, every element plays a role in building deep, unforgettable flavor.
- Beef chuck roast (3 pounds): The perfect cut for shredding—juicy, marbled, and tender after slow cooking.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives the beef a beautiful sear and a hint of richness.
- Onion (1 large, sliced): Adds sweetness and depth to the cooking liquid.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the beef with savory, aromatic flavor.
- Jalapeño (1, seeded and chopped; optional): For those who like a gentle kick—add more or less as desired!
- Beef broth (1 cup): Keeps everything juicy and adds savory backbone to the sauce.
- Orange juice (1/2 cup): Brings sweetness and a subtle tang that makes the beef pop.
- Lime juice (1/4 cup): Brightens the whole dish and complements the spices.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances the richness with a little acidity.
- Chili powder (1 tablespoon): Delivers warmth and a hint of smokiness.
- Ground cumin (2 teaspoons): Adds earthy, classic Mexican flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle smoky aroma and vibrant color.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Lends an herby backbone typical of authentic carnitas.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild, peppery bite.
- Bay leaves (2): Impart a subtle, deep flavor during the slow cook.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges: Fresh garnishes that add color and zing at the end.
- Tortillas (for serving): The classic vessel—whether corn or flour, you choose!
How to Make Beef Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks on all sides until they’re deeply browned and caramelized—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and gives those irresistible crispy bits later on. Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker, or leave it in the Dutch oven if you’re braising.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add sliced onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeño. Sauté everything for about 2 minutes, just until the kitchen smells amazing and the veggies are softened. This fragrant base lays the groundwork for the rich sauce that will soak into every shred of beef.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Now, stir in the beef broth, orange juice, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget to tuck in those bay leaves! Stir everything together, making sure the beef is nestled in the flavorful bath. This is where the Beef Carnitas Recipe gets its signature tang and spice.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
If you’re using a slow cooker, set it on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and practically falling apart. For Dutch oven aficionados, cover and braise at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking process transforms the beef into ultra-tender, savory perfection.
Step 5: Shred and Broil for Crispiness
Remove the beef from the pot and shred it with two forks. Preheat your oven broiler. Spread the shredded meat on a baking sheet and drizzle with a few spoonfuls of the cooking liquid to keep it moist. Broil for 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, until the edges are irresistibly crispy—this is the secret to true carnitas magic!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Fill warm tortillas with your crispy beef carnitas. Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and your favorite extras like diced onions, avocado, or salsa. Every bite is bursting with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of zesty tang from this Beef Carnitas Recipe.
How to Serve Beef Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, you can’t beat a handful of chopped cilantro and a few lime wedges. They’re fresh, vibrant, and the perfect counterpoint to the rich beef. Don’t hesitate to add thinly sliced radishes, creamy avocado, or even a little cotija cheese for something extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Beef Carnitas Recipe with classic Mexican sides like fluffy cilantro-lime rice, smoky black beans, or charred corn. A crisp cabbage slaw or a simple pico de gallo also makes a refreshing, crunchy complement that balances out the richness of the carnitas.
Creative Ways to Present
While tacos are a classic, don’t stop there! Pile the beef into burritos, stuff it into quesadillas, or layer it over nachos for a show-stopping platter. For a lighter twist, spoon the carnitas over a salad bowl with plenty of greens and roasted veggies. This Beef Carnitas Recipe truly shines in any format.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef carnitas store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let the meat cool completely before sealing, and be sure to save some of the cooking liquid to keep everything juicy when reheating.
Freezing
This Beef Carnitas Recipe is freezer-friendly, making it a great option for meal prep. Cool the shredded beef, stash it in a freezer-safe bag or container (with a bit of the cooking liquid), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To recapture that signature crispiness, spread the thawed or refrigerated beef on a baking sheet, drizzle with some reserved sauce, and broil for a few minutes until hot and crispy. Alternatively, heat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave for a speedy meal, though the oven method delivers the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Beef Carnitas Recipe?
Chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, but you can also use brisket or beef shoulder. Just make sure the cut is suited for slow cooking so you get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Is the jalapeño very spicy?
With the seeds removed, the jalapeño adds only a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat. If you prefer more spice, keep the seeds or add an extra pepper; for less, simply leave it out.
Can I make this Beef Carnitas Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Carnitas are perfect for making ahead. Store the cooked and shredded beef in the fridge or freezer, and crisp it up under the broiler just before serving for maximum flavor.
What toppings go best with beef carnitas tacos?
Classic toppings include chopped cilantro, diced onions, fresh lime, avocado, salsa, and crumbled cheese. Feel free to get creative with pickled onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Beef Carnitas Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use corn tortillas and ensure your broth and spices are GF-certified. Enjoy with all your favorite gluten-free sides and toppings!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress your friends, family, or just your own taste buds, give this Beef Carnitas Recipe a try. It’s rich, bold, and incredibly versatile—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for taco night!
Print
Beef Carnitas Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (slow cooker: 8 hours 20 minutes)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef Carnitas recipe delivers tender, flavorful shredded beef cooked low and slow in a blend of citrus juices and spices. Perfectly crispy on the edges after broiling, these carnitas are ideal for tacos, burritos, or bowls. Easy to prepare in a slow cooker or Dutch oven, this dish brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional)
Liquids
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Spices and Herbs
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
To Garnish and Serve
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Tortillas
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks on all sides until browned, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker or keep in the Dutch oven if cooking in the oven.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add sliced onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeño to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. This builds the flavor base for the carnitas.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Stir in beef broth, orange juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the bay leaves, mixing everything well to combine.
- Cook the Beef: If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours until the beef is fork-tender. If using a Dutch oven, cover and braise in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–4 hours until tender.
- Shred the Meat: Remove beef from the cooking liquid and shred it using two forks. This creates the traditional carnitas texture.
- Crisp the Carnitas: Preheat your oven broiler. Spread the shredded beef evenly on a baking sheet and drizzle some of the reserved cooking liquid over it to keep it moist. Broil for 5–7 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the edges become crispy and caramelized.
- Serve: Serve the crispy beef carnitas in warm tortillas garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Add any additional favorite toppings like salsa or avocado for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor complexity, consider adding a cinnamon stick or a splash of cola to the cooking liquid.
- Carnitas can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven until crisp.
- This dish works wonderfully as a filling for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking, Braising
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup beef
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
