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
Scale
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
