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Beef Carnitas Recipe

Beef Carnitas Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Shred the Meat: Remove beef from the cooking liquid and shred it using two forks. This creates the traditional carnitas texture.
  6. 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.
  7. 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