If you’re craving something rich, tender, and bursting with bold flavors, this Beef Carnitas Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food. Slow-cooked until melt-in-your-mouth perfection, these carnitas marry the smoky spices and slightly sweet hint from pineapple juice to create an irresistibly savory dish. Whether piled high in tacos, tucked into burritos, or enjoyed on its own, this recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Get ready to fall in love with every juicy, flavorful bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish shines through its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and aroma that make the beef tender and irresistibly delicious.
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast: The perfect cut for slow cooking, offering rich marbling that keeps the meat juicy and tender.
- 1 large red bell pepper, coarsely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 large green bell pepper, coarsely chopped: Brings a crisp, slightly bitter contrast that balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped: Provides a savory base and depth to the overall flavor.
- 4 ounces diced green chiles (1 can): Introduces a gentle kick with a smoky, tangy note.
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, fragrant essence that’s essential in any carnitas recipe.
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder: Enhances the natural umami and complements the fresh onion.
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder: Brings the signature earthy, smoky spice you crave.
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin: Gives the dish its classic southwestern flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon salt: Amplifies the flavors and seasons the meat perfectly.
- 1½ cups pineapple juice: The secret ingredient that tenderizes the beef while adding a subtle, fruity sweetness.
How to Make Beef Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chuck roast. You want to leave some fat for flavor, but removing thick chunks that aren’t around the edges helps prevent greasiness. If you prefer easier shredding later, cut the roast into large chunks. This first step ensures your carnitas will have the right balance of richness and tenderness.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Place your beef into the slow cooker and season it generously with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt. These spices are the heart of your Beef Carnitas Recipe, layering warmth and depth with every sprinkle. Make sure to coat the meat evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
Step 3: Add Pineapple Juice and Vegetables
Pour the pineapple juice over the seasoned beef, letting it coat the meat to tenderize and add a subtle sweet tang. Next, layer the diced green chiles, coarsely chopped onion, and both the red and green bell peppers on top. This colorful mix looks beautiful and contributes fresh, vibrant flavors while the beef slowly cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours. This slow, gentle heat is what transforms the beef into incredibly tender carnitas that you can easily shred with forks. The long cook time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, promising that perfect balance of spice and sweetness in every bite.
Step 5: Remove Fat and Shred Beef
Once your beef is tender, skim off any excess fat from the surface and discard it. Save most of the cooking juices in a separate bowl. Then, use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker. This shredding step creates the signature texture you want in carnitas, full of juicy, pull-apart goodness.
Step 6: Moisten, Serve, and Enjoy
If the shredded beef feels a little dry, add some of the reserved cooking juices back in, a little at a time, until it reaches your preferred consistency. This final touch keeps the carnitas moist and flavorful. Now, you’re ready to serve your Beef Carnitas Recipe in tacos, burritos, salads, or even as a hearty bowl — whatever you crave!
How to Serve Beef Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect burners for your carnitas include fresh cilantro leaves, diced white onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add a dollop of creamy guacamole or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco to elevate your plate instantly. These garnishes not only add freshness but also textural contrasts that highlight the rich beef.
Side Dishes
Rice and beans are classic companions to your Beef Carnitas Recipe, bringing hearty, comforting sides. Consider Mexican-style street corn or a zesty cabbage slaw for crunch and brightness. A side of warm tortillas will round out the meal beautifully, inviting you to build your own carnitas creations.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your carnitas beyond tacos by using them as a filling for stuffed peppers or topping a loaded nacho platter. You can even stir the shredded beef into a vibrant salad or layer it in a casserole for a family-friendly dinner. This recipe’s versatility means you can get creative every time you cook it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, pack leftover carnitas into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Storing them properly helps keep the beef moist and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy quick leftovers or meal prep.
Freezing
If you want to save carnitas for later, freeze the shredded beef in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space for expansion and label it so you remember the deliciousness waiting inside!
Reheating
For best results, reheat your carnitas gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of reserved juices or a bit of water to keep the meat juicy. You can also quickly warm them in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out. Enjoy your meal as if it were freshly cooked!
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness and marbling, brisket or even short ribs can work nicely if you adjust cooking times. Just make sure the meat is suitable for slow cooking to achieve that perfect shreddable texture.
Is pineapple juice really necessary in the Beef Carnitas Recipe?
Pineapple juice plays a key role as a natural tenderizer and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the spices. You can omit it, but your carnitas may lack that extra juicy softness and the bright flavor contrast it provides.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Using an Instant Pot can speed up the cooking process. Sear the beef first, then add the spices, pineapple juice, and vegetables, cooking on high pressure for about 60-75 minutes with a natural release for tender results.
How spicy is this Beef Carnitas Recipe?
This recipe has a gentle, moderate level of spice thanks to the chili powder and diced green chiles. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce when serving to kick it up a notch.
What’s the best way to serve leftover carnitas?
Leftover carnitas are fantastic in breakfast burritos, quesadillas, or even mixed into scrambled eggs. They also make flavorful toppings for pizza or loaded baked potatoes, giving you creative and tasty options beyond just tacos.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Carnitas Recipe truly embodies comfort food at its finest with its tender meat, vibrant seasonings, and versatile uses. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Whether for a weekend feast or a weekday dinner, it’s sure to become a family favorite you’ll make again and again. So don’t wait—grab that chuck roast and get slow cooking!
Print
Beef Carnitas Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This slow-cooked beef carnitas recipe features tender, flavorful shredded beef infused with aromatic spices and sweet pineapple juice. Perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls, this dish delivers a rich, savory taste with a hint of sweetness from the pineapple, all made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 Tablespoon salt
Vegetables and Extras
- 1 large red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 large green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
- 4 ounces diced green chiles (1 can)
- 1½ cups pineapple juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast, leaving some for flavor but removing large thick pieces, especially those not around the edges. Optionally, cut the roast into large chunks to make it easier to handle and to remove interior fat.
- Season the Meat: Place the beef roast or large chunks into the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt over the beef to ensure full coating of spices.
- Add Pineapple Juice and Vegetables: Pour the pineapple juice over the seasoned beef, allowing it to soak into the spices. Layer the diced green chiles, coarsely chopped onion, and both bell peppers evenly on top of the beef.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the beef mixture on low heat for 7-8 hours, or until the roast becomes very tender and shreds easily with forks.
- Remove Fat and Shred Beef: Once cooked, spoon off any visible excess fat from the surface and discard it. Remove most of the cooking juices and set them aside in a bowl for later use if needed. Use two forks to shred the beef directly in the slow cooker.
- Moisten, Serve, and Enjoy: If the shredded beef seems dry after shredding, add a small amount of the reserved cooking juices back in until the desired consistency is achieved. Serve your beef carnitas in tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls as preferred.
Notes
- For a leaner option, trim all visible fat but keep in mind it provides flavor and moisture.
- The pineapple juice tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Leftover cooking juices can enhance the moisture and flavor of the shredded beef.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved to suit your needs.
- Serve with warmed tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and salsa for authentic carnitas experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
