If there’s ever a dish to win over a crowd or make your weeknights extra special, it’s this Beef Carnitas Recipe. Imagine irresistibly tender beef, slowly cooked with bold spices, citrus juices, and finished under the broiler until the edges are perfectly crisp. Every bite bursts with juicy flavor, smoky undertones, and a pop of zesty freshness. Whether you build the ultimate tacos, stuff burritos, or pile it onto a festive salad bowl, you’ll find endless ways to love this Beef Carnitas Recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Beef Carnitas Recipe shine is how easily it comes together with a handful of staple ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the rich chuck roast to the punchy lime juice, building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable.
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks): Go for nicely marbled beef to guarantee tender, juicy, shreddable carnitas.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a splash helps sear the beef for extra depth and a beautiful crust.
- 1 large onion (sliced): The onions caramelize as they cook, adding delicate sweetness to the mix.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the carnitas with a warm, aromatic kick that’s essential.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: This sets the tone, providing just the right note of earthy heat.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Cumin’s nutty, smoky flavor is a classic in carnitas, making everything taste more savory.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano gives a subtle, herby aroma that pairs perfectly with the other spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This brings a marvelous smokiness that lingers in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance the natural flavors of the beef and season all the ingredients evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground if possible, for a peppery accent.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Add for extra boldness if you like things a little spicy!
- Juice of 2 oranges (about 1/2 cup): This sweet citrus juice helps tenderize the beef and balances the spices.
- Juice of 1 lime: Lime lifts everything, brightening the flavor profile with fresh acidity.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: For moisture and depth, keeping the beef succulent as it cooks low and slow.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges for serving: These finish the dish with color and an extra hit of freshness.
How to Make Beef Carnitas Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Begin by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. One of the secrets to unbeatable flavor is browning the beef chunks until each side develops a golden, caramelized crust. Give each side about 2–3 minutes, working in batches if needed for even searing. This simple step adds incredible richness and depth to the finished carnitas.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
With the beef set aside, add sliced onion to the same pot and sauté for a couple of minutes until just becoming soft and fragrant. Next, stir in minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, careful not to let it brown. This fragrant base sets up the Beef Carnitas Recipe for some serious flavor payoff.
Step 3: Toast the Spices
Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (if you like heat!) into the onions and garlic. Stir well and let everything toast briefly in the pot—just 30 seconds or so. This wakes up the spices and infuses your kitchen with irresistible, mouthwatering aromas.
Step 4: Add Citrus and Broth
Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and beef broth, using your spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. All those bits are flavor gold! The combination of sweet citrus and savory broth not only tenderizes the meat but permeates it with tangy, juicy goodness as it cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Beef
Return the browned beef chunks to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let everything slow-simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours. You’re aiming for beef so fork-tender it practically falls apart with just a gentle prod. This is where patience pays off, as the meat soaks up every nuance of flavor from the spices and juices.
Step 6: Shred and Crisp the Carnitas
Once your beef is meltingly tender, lift it out of the liquid and shred it into thick, rustic pieces with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot, stirring it back into all those delicious, bold juices. For restaurant-worthy crispy edges, spread the carnitas on a baking sheet and broil for 5–7 minutes. The edges get golden and crunchy while the inside stays juicy and tender—truly the best of both worlds!
How to Serve Beef Carnitas Recipe
Garnishes
Make every bite memorable by piling on fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced onions, radishes, or tangy pickled jalapeños. A squeeze of lime brightens everything up, and don’t forget a dollop of creamy guacamole or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for even more flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This Beef Carnitas Recipe happily shares the table with fluffy Mexican rice, slow-simmered black beans, or zesty street corn. A fresh side salad with crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, and a citrusy dressing rounds out the meal perfectly. And if you’re really celebrating, set out a basket of warm tortilla chips and your favorite salsa.
Creative Ways to Present
You’re not limited to tacos! Try stuffing the carnitas into burritos with rice and beans, serving over nachos for the ultimate game-day treat, or topping a loaded salad bowl for a lighter option. For brunch, nestle the beef into a breakfast quesadilla, or make sliders using mini buns and a fresh cabbage slaw. The possibilities with this Beef Carnitas Recipe are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled carnitas with a little of the cooking liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the beef wonderfully juicy and flavorful for up to 4 days—easy for meal prepping or delicious midnight snacks!
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your Beef Carnitas Recipe in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, again with a splash of the juices to lock in moisture. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months and makes dinner on demand a breeze—just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the carnitas in a skillet over medium heat, adding a few spoonfuls of the reserved juices. For extra crispiness, pop shredded beef under the broiler for a few minutes. It’ll taste just as good (maybe even better!) than the first time around.
FAQs
Can I make this Beef Carnitas Recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Prepare everything as usual, then transfer to a slow cooker instead of a pot. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, and finish with a quick broil for crispy edges.
What cuts of beef work best if I can’t find chuck roast?
Chuck roast is classic for carnitas, but you can substitute with beef brisket or shoulder. Just pick something well-marbled to guarantee juicy, shreddable results.
How do I keep my carnitas from getting dry?
The trick is to keep some of the cooking liquid with the beef—whether storing or reheating. A generous splash of those flavorful juices locks in moisture and brings the filling back to life every time.
Is this Beef Carnitas Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is completely gluten-free as written! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free tortillas or accompaniments if needed.
Can I make this Beef Carnitas Recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can cook and shred the beef a day in advance, then broil it just before serving. This way, you get the ultimate crispy edges without any last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in making a big pot of this Beef Carnitas Recipe—your kitchen smells amazing, everyone is eagerly waiting, and each bite is a celebration of flavor and comfort. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to, whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a dinner party, or just a cozy night in. Gather your favorite toppings and dive in!
Print
Beef Carnitas Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy tender and flavorful Beef Carnitas with this easy recipe. Perfectly seasoned beef, slow-cooked to perfection, and crisped up for that irresistible texture. Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings for a delicious Mexican meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Liquid and Garnish:
- juice of 2 oranges (about 1/2 cup)
- juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- chopped cilantro and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven, sear beef until browned, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion, add garlic, then spices.
- Simmer: Add juices, broth, and beef back to pot. Simmer until tender.
- Shred and Crisp: Shred beef, broil for crisp edges.
- Serve: Fill tortillas with beef and desired toppings.
Notes
- This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of the juices before crisping the beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
