Beef Carnitas Recipe

If you’re looking for a hands-off, flavor-packed dinner that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen (but barely lifted a finger), this Beef Carnitas Recipe is about to become your new weeknight go-to. Imagine tender shreds of seasoned beef, infused with just the right kick of chili, cumin, and a surprisingly sweet hint from pineapple juice—all slow-cooked with bell peppers and onions until melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The best part? Your trusty slow cooker does almost all the work, leaving you with more time to savor the mouthwatering aromas wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or prepping for a crowd, these beef carnitas promise pure comfort food magic, with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are some straightforward, flavor-packed ingredients—no fancy extras required.

• Beef Chuck Roast: The star—marbled for tenderness and deep, beefy flavor. Trim any excess fat, but don’t go overboard; a little fat means juicier carnitas!
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and a gentle sweetness.
• Green Bell Pepper: Brings freshness and earthy undertones.
• Onion: Layers in savory notes and helps the beef stay juicy.
• Diced Green Chiles: Mild heat and that essential Tex-Mex kick.
• Garlic Powder: Quick and easy aroma—no mincing required!
• Onion Powder: Adds depth right from the start (trust me, it makes a difference).
• Chili Powder: Warm, smoky, and robust—what carnitas are all about.
• Ground Cumin: Signature earthy backbone, don’t skip it!
• Salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors together.
• Pineapple Juice: The secret weapon—its sweetness and acidity tenderize the beef and brighten up the whole dish. If you’re skeptical, don’t be! It doesn’t make the beef taste like dessert; it just balances everything out.

Variations

Lean into your own preferences or what you have on hand—carnitas recipes are made for experimenting.

• Spice Level: Add fresh jalapeños or extra chili powder if you like more heat, or swap in chipotle powder for smokiness.
• Citrus Twist: Orange juice makes a great stand-in for pineapple juice for a more traditional carnitas vibe.
• Protein Swap: Pork shoulder or even chicken thighs work well if you want to change things up.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in some corn, black beans, or even chopped tomatoes for more texture and color.

How to Make Beef Carnitas

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Trim any excess fat off your beef chuck roast, but don’t stress about perfection—a bit of marbling keeps the meat juicy.

Step 2: Season Generously

Place the roast in your slow cooker; you can cut it into a few large chunks for even cooking and easy shredding. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt. Let those flavors get right in there.

Step 3: Bring in the Sweetness

Drizzle pineapple juice all over the seasoned beef. This little splash is going to do wonders—trust the process!

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Chiles

Toss on the diced green chiles, followed by the chopped onion and bell peppers. These not only add flavor but keep the meat ultra moist as it cooks.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tenderness

Cover and set your slow cooker to low; now walk away for 7-8 hours. The end result is beef so tender you’ll barely need to shred it.

Step 6: Shred and Finish

Spoon off any excess fat and set aside some of the cooking juice. Shred the beef right in the slow cooker with two forks, adding a bit of reserved cooking juice if it looks dry. You want every strand juicy and packed with flavor.

How to Serve

These beef carnitas are the ultimate in versatility—let your cravings guide you!

• Classic Tacos: Spoon onto warm corn or flour tortillas, top with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime.
• Burrito Bowls: Layer over rice with black beans, salsa, avocado, and cheese.
• Nachos: Scatter over tortilla chips, sprinkle with cheese, and broil until bubbly, then add your favorite toppings.
• Salad Style: For a lighter touch, pile on greens and finish with a zesty vinaigrette.

Serve with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or simple grilled corn for a complete feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover beef carnitas in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will actually deepen, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Let the meat cool, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of reserved juice or broth to keep things moist, or microwave in short bursts. If you want to revive a bit of that crispy edge, broil the meat for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall in love with these beef carnitas. With minimal prep, loads of flavor, and endless ways to serve, this recipe is pretty much guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your taste or use whatever’s in the pantry—delicious results await. Try it out and watch dinnertime turn into the best part of your day!

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