If you’re craving something rich, tender, and packed with bold flavors, this Beef Carnitas Recipe is going to become your new go-to dish. Slow-cooked to perfection, these beef carnitas feature juicy, melt-in-your-mouth shredded beef infused with a vibrant blend of spices, pineapple juice, and fresh peppers. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and festive, perfect for casual weeknight dinners or impressing guests with an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Beef Carnitas Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, accessible, and each plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that you’ll love.
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because its fat and connective tissue break down into tender, flavorful meat.
- 1 large red bell pepper, coarsely chopped: Adds a sweet, vibrant touch and some color to the dish.
- 1 large green bell pepper, coarsely chopped: Brings a slight peppery bite and balances the sweetness of the red pepper.
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped: Adds aromatic sweetness that transforms during the slow cooking process.
- 4 ounces diced green chiles (1 can): Gives a subtle kick and depth without overpowering.
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder: Essential for that classic savory garlic undertone.
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor in a gentle way.
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder: The key spice for that signature Mexican-inspired warmth and color.
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin: Infuses earthy, smoky notes that tie every element together.
- 1 Tablespoon salt: Seasoning that amplifies all the flavors beautifully.
- 1½ cups pineapple juice: Adds a natural sweetness and tenderizing acidity that makes the beef succulent.
How to Make Beef Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by trimming away any large or thick pieces of fat from the beef chuck roast. Keeping some fat is important since it melts during cooking, adding richness, but removing excess helps keep the dish balanced. For easier handling later, it’s helpful to cut the roast into big chunks.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Place the beef chunks into your slow cooker and evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt over the top. This bold spice mix sets the tone for that classic Beef Carnitas Recipe flavor that will slowly infuse as the beef cooks.
Step 3: Add Pineapple Juice and Vegetables
Pour the pineapple juice gently over the beef, making sure some soaks right into the spices. Then layer the diced green chiles, chopped onion, and both the red and green bell peppers on top. This combination of fruits and vegetables enhances the natural sweetness and adds wonderful texture once cooked.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the meat mixture on low for 7 to 8 hours. Patience is key here because this slow, gentle cooking allows the beef to become incredibly tender and easy to shred.
Step 5: Remove Fat and Shred Beef
Once the meat is ready, skim off any visible excess fat that has risen to the surface and discard it. Carefully drain most of the cooking juices into a bowl and keep them to adjust moisture later if needed. Using two forks, shred the beef right in the slow cooker to soak up all those amazing flavors.
Step 6: Moisten, Serve, and Enjoy
If the shredded beef feels a little dry, add a splash of the reserved cooking liquid back for perfect tenderness. Now your beef carnitas are ready to be enjoyed in tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls — whatever you like!
How to Serve Beef Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced onions, sliced radishes, or a squeeze of lime add brightness and contrast to the rich, savory beef carnitas. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
Side Dishes
Serve your beef carnitas alongside warm corn or flour tortillas, Mexican rice, or refried beans for a classic combo. For freshness, a crisp cabbage slaw or avocado slices pair beautifully to balance the slow-cooked richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try topping a bed of grilled corn salad with the carnitas or stuff them inside roasted poblano peppers for a fun twist. You can also layer the carnitas in a hearty taco salad bowl with mixed greens and your favorite toppings for a vibrant meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef carnitas keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making for even tastier meals the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked beef carnitas for up to 3 months in a freezer-friendly container or heavy-duty zip bag. Just be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and label it with the date.
Reheating
Reheat your carnitas gently in a skillet over medium heat or warm them in the microwave with a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid to keep them moist. Avoid drying out the beef by reheating just until warm.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Beef Carnitas Recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast works best because of its fat content and tenderness when slow cooked, you could try brisket or even short ribs for variations, but expect a difference in texture and cooking time.
Is pineapple juice necessary?
Pineapple juice is key for tenderizing the beef due to its natural enzymes while adding subtle sweetness that balances the spices. If you can’t find it, a mix of orange juice and a splash of vinegar can be a decent substitute.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can adapt the Beef Carnitas Recipe for an Instant Pot by using the slow cook function or pressure cooking for about 60-70 minutes followed by a natural release, but the slow cook method yields a more traditional texture.
How do I get crispy carnitas?
After shredding, spread the beef on a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes until the edges get crispy and caramelized. This adds delightful texture and contrast to the tender meat.
What are some other ways to enjoy beef carnitas?
Besides tacos and burritos, try using beef carnitas as a topping for nachos, mix into scrambled eggs for flavorful breakfast, or even stuff into quesadillas for a satisfying snack.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Carnitas Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The ease of preparation combined with the layers of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors will make it one of your favorite dishes to return to again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new signature meal.
Print
Beef Carnitas Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Carnitas recipe slow-cooks tender beef chuck roast with a blend of bold spices, pineapple juice, and fresh vegetables, resulting in flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth shredded beef perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls.
Ingredients
Meat
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
Vegetables & Spices
- 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)
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 Tablespoon salt
Liquids
- 1½ cups pineapple juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Trim off any excess fat from the beef chuck roast, leaving a small amount for flavor. Optionally, cut the roast into large chunks for easier handling after cooking and to remove interior fat.
- Season the Meat: Place the beef roast or chunks into the slow cooker. Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, and salt over the beef to ensure full flavor penetration.
- Add Pineapple Juice and Vegetables: Pour the pineapple juice over the seasoned beef so some juice soaks into the spices. Layer diced green chiles, coarsely chopped onion, and both bell peppers on top of the beef in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the roast is very tender and can be easily shredded with forks.
- Remove Fat and Shred Beef: Spoon off any visible excess fat from the surface and discard. Remove most of the cooking juices and set aside in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the beef directly in the slow cooker.
- Moisten, Serve, and Enjoy: If the shredded beef seems dry, add a small amount of the reserved juices back until the desired consistency is reached. Serve the carnitas in tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls as preferred.
Notes
- Leaving some fat on the roast enhances flavor but remove thick pieces to avoid excess grease.
- Reserve some cooking juices to moisten the shredded beef if needed.
- Cook on low heat for maximum tenderness and flavor development.
- This recipe is versatile – use the shredded beef in tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
