Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe: Easy, Tender, and Packed with Flavor

Slow Cooker Carne Asada is the ultimate time-saving recipe that transforms a simple flank steak into tender, juicy perfection. It’s my secret weapon for busy weeknights or when I want to create homemade carne asada tacos without the hassle. Just 10 minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest—minimal effort, maximum flavor.

Traditional carne asada involves grilling and constant attention to get that charred crust and tender inside. But when life gets busy, who has that kind of time? Enter the slow cooker: it lets you achieve melt-in-your-mouth results completely hands-off. Toss everything in, set it, and get on with your day. You’ll come back to a kitchen that smells like a Mexican taqueria and dinner that’s basically done.

Why This Slow Cooker Carne Asada Is a Game-Changer

• Set-it-and-forget-it: Toss everything in the crockpot, and let it handle the heavy lifting.
• Incredibly tender meat: The slow, low heat breaks down the flank steak fibers for fork-tender results.
• Saves over 30 minutes compared to traditional grilling: No babysitting the grill or flipping the steak.
• Packed with flavor: The best carne asada marinade, made with citrus juices and spices, soaks completely into the meat.
• Perfect for meal prep: Cook once, and use leftovers for tacos, burritos, or bowls throughout the week.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Carne Asada

This recipe is all about simplicity, and your slow cooker is the real MVP here. Here’s what you need:

• Slow cooker: Any size will work, but a 6-quart model is ideal for 2 pounds of steak. If your crockpot has a ‘low and slow’ feature, use that.
• Measuring tools: A liquid measuring cup and teaspoons for precise measurements of the marinade ingredients.
• Serrated knife: This is essential for slicing the steak thinly, against the grain.

Quick tip: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can use a Dutch oven in the oven at 275°F for a similar result, though it won’t be as hands-off.

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Carne Asada

You only need everyday ingredients to make this easy carne asada recipe. Most of these are pantry staples, with just a few fresh components:

• Flank steak: The best cut for carne asada. Make sure it’s trimmed of excess fat for clean slices.
• Citrus juices: A mix of orange, lime, and lemon juice for that bright, tangy flavor that tenderizes the meat.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory depth. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano—these are the backbone of the bold flavor.

Shortcut: Pre-squeezed citrus juices from the store work if you’re in a pinch, but freshly squeezed gives the best punch of flavor.

Slow Cooker Carne Asada Recipe Details

• Servings: 4 people
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Slow Cooker Carne Asada Ingredients

• 2 pounds flank beef steak
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (use more to taste; I recommend 1 teaspoon)
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 orange)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 lime)
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• Optional: Pico de gallo, corn tortillas, avocado, Cotija or feta

How to Make Slow Cooker Carne Asada

1. Mix spices: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano. Stir in olive oil to create a paste.
2. Rub the steak: Coat both sides of the flank steak with the spice mixture, ensuring even coverage.
3. Prepare the marinade: In a measuring cup, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, and vinegar.
4. Set up your slow cooker: Grease the crockpot and pour half the liquid mixture into the bottom.
5. Cook low and slow: Place the steak into the crockpot and pour the remaining juice mixture over the top. Cover and set on LOW for 6 hours.
6. Rest and slice: Remove the steak and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain with a serrated knife.
7. Mix with juices: Return the sliced steak to the crockpot to soak in the flavorful juices.
8. Serve: Use tongs to pile it onto corn tortillas. Top with pico de gallo, avocado, and Cotija cheese, if desired.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Carne Asada

• Sear first (optional): Searing the steak before slow cooking adds a deeper caramelized flavor.
• Make it ahead: Prep the steak and marinade the night before. Store in the fridge and toss it into the slow cooker in the morning.
• Use the meat thermometer: For extra precision, ensure the steak reaches an internal temp of 160°F before removing.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Easy Slow Cooker Carne Asada Variations

• Add chipotle: Blend chipotle peppers in adobo with the marinade for a smoky kick.
• Swap the steak: Flat iron or skirt steak works perfectly if flank steak isn’t available.
• Try a bowl: Serve over rice or cauliflower rice with black beans and fresh salsa.

Slow Cooker Carne Asada FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes! Skirt steak, flat iron steak, or even beef chuck roast are great substitutes.

What’s the best way to reheat carne asada?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of the reserved juices to keep it moist.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Store in a freezer-safe bag with some cooking liquid for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Do I need to marinate the steak ahead?

Nope! The slow cooker does all the work of infusing the flavors while cooking.

Try this recipe, and let your slow cooker prove that a little prep can go a long way to a flavor-packed dinner. What are your favorite kitchen shortcuts for busy evenings? Let know in the comments below.