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Tender Carnitas in slow cooker

4.8/5
20 reviews
Tender Carnitas in slow cooker
Tender Carnitas in slow cooker
500min Total Time
8 people Servings
Easy Difficulty
Budget Cost
450 kcal Calories

Video

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Ingredients

8
  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tortillas for serving
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat.

2

Sear all sides of the beef roast until browned.

3

Add onion and garlic to skillet, sautéing until softened.

4

Transfer beef roast, onion, and garlic to slow cooker.

5

In a bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, and lime juice.

6

Spread spice mixture over the roast evenly.

7

Pour beef broth around the roast in the cooker.

8

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.

9

Once cooked, shred the beef with two forks.

10

Serve in tortillas, garnished with cilantro.

Troubleshooting

Too dry, add more broth next timenNot enough flavor, season wellnBeef not shredding, cook longernGravy too thin, simmer uncovered 30 minutes

Recipe Variations

Add diced tomatoes for moisturenSpice it up with jalapeñosnTry orange juice instead of limenUse pork for a different meat

Serving Suggestions

Serve with beans and ricenTop with avocado slicesnPair with fresh salsanGreat with grilled veggies as side

Nutrition Facts

450
Calories
35g
Protein
20g
Carbs
25g
Fat
2g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
600mg
Sodium
100mg
Cholesterol

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping searing step loses flavornUsing too much liquid makes runnynNot shredding beef leads to chewy bitesnOvercooking dries out meat, watch time

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flank steak or brisket works well.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Definitely! Follow same instructions for chicken.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if using gluten-free tortillas.

How spicy is this recipe?

Mild, but you can add jalapeños for heat.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely, great for meal prepping.

Reviews

Raj
Feb 23, 2026
Easy to make and so flavorful!
Sofia
Mar 19, 2026
The whole family loved these tacos!
Chen
Feb 20, 2026
A hit at our dinner party!
Maria
Feb 21, 2026
Perfect for meal prep, freezes great!
John
Mar 14, 2026
So tender, it's now our favorite recipe!
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