Melt in your mouth Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos are slow cooked to perfection! This is the easiest way to make your taco night extra delicious and gluten free. Flavored with tons of tasty seasoning, gluten free beer and fresh lime juice this tender meat makes the best tacos, nachos or burrito bowls.
We were out of town in Colorado and trying to figure out what we could make for dinner since we were going to gone all day. This recipe always saves the day because it only takes a few minutes of prep. After you prep all you do is set it and forget it. The longer it cooks the better so it's a great meal when you're not really sure when you are going to be home.
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But when you come home for dinner you just shred the meat, drizzle with honey and it's ready for taco night! Another great fix and forget it dinner for taco night is my pork carnitas.
You can take one extra step and crisp it up in the oven for a little crunchiness to it. I do love the brunt edges that a few minutes in the broiler creates. But honestly, sometimes I just skip that step when I'm in a hurry and it's still scrumptious.
Homemade Rub
I love making rubs for meat because you can control how much spice, salt and flavors you want. This only takes a few minutes to throw together and you can use more or less of whatever you like best. I always try to keep it a little less spicy when the kids are eating with us. It just makes it easier so I don't have to make two meals. If it were just me and my husband it would be spicy and have tons more garlic!! Mix it all up and then cover the meat in this delicious seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt kosher salt
How to Make Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos
Step 1. Add steak to bowl of your slow cooker. Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil on steak.
Step 2. In a separate bowl combine chipotle chili powder, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika and oregano. Mix to combine. Rub seasonings into the meat.
Step 3. Add minced garlic, agave, lime juice and zest onto steak. Pour 1 cup beer over all ingredients.
Step 4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Step 5. Shred or slice steak.
Step 6. (Optional) Place on sheet pan and broil for 3-5 minutes or until meat begins to crisp.
Step 7. Serve with tortillas, chips or rice. Add desired toppings.
What Beer to use for Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos?
The best beer to use with this recipe is a light colored lager beer. My recipes are all gluten free because my husband has celiac disease, which is when you are allergic to gluten. There is an amazing beer called Daura that is gluten free. I use this in all my cooking that needs a light beer. The beer, along with the lime, helps tenderize the meat with the acids and tannins that are found in beer! Of course, the beer also adds a depth of flavor.
Make a Taco Bar with Carne Asada Meat
One of my favorite things to do when I have a party planned is to make a main dish like this and just keep it warm in the Crock Pot for people to enjoy when they are hungry. I always set up all the sides next to the Crock Pot so every one can customize what they like. Here's what I usually like to include. We had some fresh mango also so I cut that up on top as well.
- Corn Tortillas
- Cooked Rice (to make a bowl)
- Shredded Lettuce
- Shredded Cabbage
- Cotija Cheese and Shredded Mexican Blend
- Pickled Onions
- Pickled Jalapeños
- Guacamole
- Sour Cream
- Chopped Cilantro
- Chopped Onions
- Quartered Limes
- Salsa
- Mango
I love Mexican food, it's probably my favorite food if I had to pick one. I've made several Mexican inspired dishes so if you are looking for more recipes give one of these a try!
Crock Pot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole
Mexican Crunchy Chicken Casserole
Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn
Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 pound Flank Steak
- 1 cup beer gluten free
- 2 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon agave or honey
- 1 lime zest and juice
Carne Asada Rub
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Add steak to bowl of your slow cooker.
- Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil on steak.
- In a separate bowl combine chipotle chili powder, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika and oregano. Mix to combine. Rub seasonings into the meat.
- Squeeze lime juice and zest onto steak.
- Add minced garlic and agave to slow cooker.
- Pour 1 cup beer over all ingredients.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Shred or slice steak.
- Optional- Place on sheet pan and broil for 3-5 minutes.
- Serve with tortillas, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, onions, cilantro.
Shireen says
What can I use instead of beer that’s not alcoholic?
Matt Fay says
Hi Shireen! Good question. You can use a non-alcoholic beer like O'Doul's. However, that could be a waste of money for you since you'd have to buy at least a 6-pack. I'd suggest just using chicken broth otherwise. I make all sorts of variations of Mexican chicken dishes and use chicken broth all the time.