Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos are a fantastic way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table. This easy recipe is perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or even a simple weeknight meal. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy tender, delicious tacos that everyone will love. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients makes these tacos stand out, ensuring they’ll become a regular in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything into the crock pot and let it do the work for you.
• Tender and Flavorful Beef: Slow cooking ensures the flank steak becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while absorbing all the spices.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos are always a hit.
• Customizable Toppings: Personalize your tacos with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or diced tomatoes.
• Great Leftovers: Enjoy delicious leftovers that can be used in various dishes throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Crock Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crock pot
• Large skillet or griddle
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Crock pot: Allows for hands-free cooking, ensuring tender meat with rich flavors after hours of slow cooking.
• Large skillet or griddle: Perfect for frying tortillas, giving them that crisp texture that complements the soft beef.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining spices evenly before applying them to the steak for maximum flavor distribution.

Ingredients

To prepare your Crock Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos, gather the following ingredients:

For the Beef

• 1 tablespoon 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 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 fresh limes (juiced)

For the Tortillas

• 1/4 cup butter
• 24 mini corn tortillas

How to Make Crock Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Place the flank steak in your crock pot. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it over the meat evenly.

Step 2: Season the Meat

In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cumin. Rub this spice mixture over the steak until well coated.

Step 3: Add Fresh Ingredients

Squeeze juice from one lime over the seasoned steak. Then add chopped cilantro and diced onions on top. Pour beef broth around the meat in the crock pot.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.

Step 5: Shred and Flavor

Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks. Squeeze juice from the second lime over the shredded beef for added flavor.

Step 6: Fry Tortillas

In a large skillet or griddle, melt butter over medium heat. Fry each mini corn tortilla for about 1 minute until soft.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos

Allow tortillas to cool slightly before topping each with shredded beef and any additional toppings you desire. I recommend using two mini corn tortillas per taco for stability.

Now you’re ready to enjoy delicious Crock Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos that are sure to please everyone at your table!

How to Serve Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Crock Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or simply enjoying a family meal, these tacos can be customized to suit everyone’s taste.

Simple Toppings

• Chopped Onions – Fresh diced onions add a crunchy texture and sharp flavor.
• Sour Cream – A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spices.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado complements the flavors beautifully.

Salsas

• Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice create a zesty topping.
• Mango Salsa – Sweet mango salsa adds a refreshing twist to your tacos.
• Green Salsa – A spicy green salsa enhances the overall flavor with a kick.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish with its herbal notes.
• Lime Wedges – Squeezing lime juice over the tacos adds brightness and acidity.

How to Perfect Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Perfecting your Crock Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for an even better taco experience.

• Use high-quality meat – Select fresh flank steak for optimal flavor and tenderness.
• Marinate overnight – For richer flavors, consider marinating the steak in seasonings before cooking.
• Shred beef properly – Shredding against the grain will ensure tender pieces of meat.
• Warm tortillas correctly – Frying tortillas in butter gives them a delicious taste and texture.
• Experiment with toppings – Try different combinations of toppings to find your favorite blend.

Best Side Dishes for Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Serving side dishes with your Crock Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice – Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the tacos well.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy beans provide protein and pair perfectly with corn tortillas.
3. Guacamole – A rich avocado dip that adds creaminess and flavor to each bite.
4. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter makes for a sweet side dish.
5. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make a great appetizer.
6. Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies enhance the meal’s nutrition while adding color and flavor.
7. Queso Dip – A cheesy dip that’s perfect for dipping chips or drizzling on tacos.
8. Coleslaw – A refreshing slaw can add crunch and balance out the savory flavors of the tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the meat properly can lead to bland tacos. Make sure to rub in all spices evenly for full flavor.
• Overcooking the meat: Cooking the steak too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking time for juicy, tender beef.
• Using low-quality tortillas: Poor tortilla quality can ruin the taco experience. Invest in good mini corn tortillas for better texture and taste.
• Neglecting toppings: Forgetting fresh toppings like cilantro or lime juice can make your tacos less vibrant. Always have your favorite toppings ready to enhance flavor.
• Not shredding the beef well: Leaving large chunks of meat makes it hard to eat. Shred the beef finely to ensure every bite is delicious.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the beef to cool before sealing for best results.

Freezing Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

• Freeze shredded beef in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Remove excess air from the bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap tacos in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add tacos, and warm them for about 1-2 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos.

How do I make Crock pot Carne Asada Street Tacos spicier?

You can add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños when seasoning the beef. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes! While flank steak is recommended, you can also use skirt steak or brisket. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

What are some good toppings for these tacos?

Fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices, and salsa are great options. Customize based on your flavor preferences!

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various toppings and adjust spices based on your taste. Give this recipe a try; your family will love it!