Name: Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds flank steak; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice; ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice; ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; ¼ cup soy sauce or gluten-free alternative; 2 tablespoons white vinegar; pico de gallo; corn tortillas; avocado; Cotija or crumbled feta

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a meal that’s unbelievably tender, loaded with flavor, and hands-off enough for busy weeknights, the Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine slices of juicy flank steak, infused with citrus and a chorus of warm spices, all thanks to your trusty crockpot. This recipe is everything: bold, zesty, and perfect for taco nights. It’s one of those go-to dishes that make you look (and feel) like a kitchen rock star, even if you only spent five minutes setting it up. Ready for the best carne asada ever? Let’s dive in!

Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe isn’t just for show—each one brings its own punch of flavor, color, or tenderness. By keeping things simple but powerful, you get maximum deliciousness with minimal effort. Here’s a quick look at what makes this dish shine:

Flank steak (2 pounds): The ultimate cut for carne asada, it’s lean, flavorful, and cooks up fork-tender in the slow cooker.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness that takes the flavor over the top.
Cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy and aromatic, it anchors the spice blend with essential depth.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat and deep chili color that makes the steak irresistible.
Salt (½ teaspoon or to taste): Enhances every other flavor; don’t be shy, but season to your liking.
Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a little bite and brightness to each decadent slice.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): A little sweetness and savoriness makes the steak even more robust.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Balances the zest and gives every bite true Mexican flair.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings herbaceous notes that pair perfectly with citrus.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the spices meld together and seals in those juices.
Orange juice (¼ cup, fresh): A splash of sweetness and acidity ensures juicy and zesty beef.
Lime juice (¼ cup, fresh): Bright and tangy, lime keeps things ultra-refreshing.
Lemon juice (¼ cup, fresh): Another layer of citrus for a perfectly balanced marinade.
Soy sauce (¼ cup): Adds umami, savoriness, and a richness that’s completely crave-worthy (use gluten-free if needed).
White vinegar (2 tablespoons): Tenderizes the steak and wakes up all the flavors.
Optional additions: Pico de gallo, corn tortillas, avocado, and Cotija cheese transform your carne asada into an unforgettable meal.

How to Make Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Spice Rub

Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together your smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Drizzle in the olive oil and stir until a glorious, fragrant paste forms. This blend is what gives the Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe its signature color and flavor. Take a deep breath—you can already tell this is going to be good!

Step 2: Coat the Steak

Place your flank steak on a clean surface and rub half the spice mixture onto one side. Flip it over carefully and coat the other side with the remaining rub. Don’t be stingy: every crevice deserves a little love. This ensures the meat is flavored all the way through for maximum impact.

Step 3: Prepare the Marinade

In another bowl, whisk together your freshly squeezed orange, lime, and lemon juices, then add soy sauce and white vinegar. This tangy, zesty marinade is what softens the steak and infuses it with those lively flavors that set this Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe above the rest.

Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Grease your crockpot lightly, then pour in half of the marinade. Gently nestle the steak inside, laying it flat. Pour the remaining marinade over the top, making sure every bit gets contact with that punchy liquid. This layering helps lock in moisture and guarantees tenderness.

Step 5: Low and Slow Magic

Cover your crockpot, set it to LOW, and let your Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe work its magic for 6 hours. There’s no need to peek—the real secret here is patience. The result? Mouthwateringly tender beef that practically melts when you slice it.

Step 6: Rest, Slice, and Return

Once done, carefully lift the steak out and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes. This step keeps the juices locked in. Then, using a sharp serrated knife, thinly slice the steak against the grain for tender, juicy strips. Return the slices to the slow cooker and toss gently with the remaining juices for even more flavor.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Serve with corn tortillas, a scoop of pico de gallo, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. Trust me, every bite of this Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe is a small celebration!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes: a handful of fresh cilantro, pickled onions, and a squeeze of lime bring a world of freshness to this dish. Cotija or crumbled feta add salty, creamy notes, while avocado slices melt right into the warm carne asada. Scatter everything generously for a meal that looks as vibrant as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe is fantastic alongside warm corn tortillas, Spanish rice, or refried beans. If you’re serving a crowd, offer a buffet of salsas and slaws so everyone can build their perfect plate. For something brighter, a simple citrusy salad is a cool, cleansing side.

Creative Ways to Present

Try loading the carne asada into tacos with your favorite toppings, pile it onto nachos for the ultimate game-day treat, or spoon the juicy beef over fries for a next-level carne asada fries experience. You could even stuff leftovers into burritos, slider buns, or baked potatoes for an entirely new twist. There’s no wrong way to showcase this delicious dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to spoon some of those tasty cooking juices over the beef to keep everything super moist and flavorful—nothing goes to waste!

Freezing

If you’ve made a big batch (or just want to save some for later), this carne asada freezes beautifully. Place cooled, sliced steak and its juices into freezer-safe bags or containers, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label your containers—you’ll want to find this treasure easily!

Reheating

To reheat, pop the beef and juices into a skillet over medium-low heat and warm gently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts with a splash of broth or juice to avoid drying out. The flavors deepen even more after a day or two, making leftovers extra special.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is traditional for maximum flavor and tenderness, skirt steak or even chuck roast will also work well in your slow cooker. Just adjust slicing and cooking times if needed to get the perfect texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—it can be! Just make sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Always double-check your labels if food allergies or sensitivities are a concern.

Do I need to marinate the steak overnight?

No long marinating required! Because the steak cooks low and slow with all those flavor-packed ingredients, you get the benefit of a deep marinade while it cooks. But, if you’d like extra zest, you can rub the spices on the steak a few hours ahead of time.

Can I double the Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe for a big group?

Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to arrange the steaks in a mostly single, even layer. Double all marinade and spice ingredients, and check for doneness at about the same time—the crockpot works its wonders either way.

What’s the best way to slice the carne asada?

Always cut across the grain in thin slices for the most tender bite. Using a sharp, serrated knife makes this step a breeze. If you’re not sure which way the grain runs, just look for the lines in the meat and cut perpendicular to them.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe, you’ll realize just how easy it is to bring big, bold, and authentic flavors to your own kitchen. Even on your busiest days, this dish guarantees dinner will be something you truly look forward to. So, grab your crockpot and get ready to wow everyone at the table—you deserve it!

Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Carne Asada recipe is a flavorful and tender dish perfect for taco nights or any festive gathering. The combination of citrus juices, spices, and flank steak cooked low and slow results in a delicious and easy-to-make meal.

Instructions

Carne Asada – In a small bowl, whisk together spices, then stir in the oil. Rub half the spice mixture on one side of the flank steak. Flip over and rub the rest of the spice mixture on the other side. Whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and vinegar. Grease a crockpot and pour in half of the juice mixture. Place the steak in the crockpot and pour the rest of the juice over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours. Once cooked, remove steak from crockpot and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Using a serrated knife, thinly slice the steak against the grain. Gently place steak back in crockpot and mix with juices. Serve with corn tortillas, pico de gallo, avocado, and Cotija or feta.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Mexican