Description
Beef Carnitas are a flavorful, tender dish made with slow-cooked beef that is seasoned with spices, then shredded and crisped to perfection. This dish is perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls, and offers a savory, smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Soft tortillas, for serving
- Optional toppings: diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear on all sides until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onion, garlic, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon, and cloves to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and add beef broth, orange juice, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the beef is done, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Discard any fat or bones.
- If you want the beef to be crispy, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges are slightly crispy and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve the beef carnitas in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings like diced onions, cilantro, salsa, and lime wedges. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can cook the beef in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours instead of stovetop cooking.
- These carnitas are perfect for tacos, burritos, or even served over rice or in bowls.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño or a pinch of chili powder.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (with toppings)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
