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All of the carne asada flavor, none of the fuss. Slow-cooked shredded crispy beef stuffed into warmed tortillas to make the best Mexican street tacos. All made in the slow cooker (along with instant pot and grilling variations). Serve each crockpot steak taco with a creamy cilantro lime garlic sauce, and baked Mexican fries.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Delicious carne asada flavor with the ease of a crockpot: set-and-forget
- Loaded with fresh, crunchy, and creamy toppings
The story
Monday felt like it needed a fun dinner, so taco night it is. But guys, these are not your average tacos. I call these “loaded” carne asada street tacos. It’s my fun twist on the traditional version.
With Cinco de Mayo just a week away I wanted to be sure to share a few new Mexican recipes for you all to easily recreate at home. Something about Mexican food is not only beyond delicious, but always feels fun and anything but fancy, which I kind of love. Tacos are laid back, low key, make yourself a margarita, sip, and eat, kind of food.
And well, right now they’re transporting me to the Mexican sunshine and have me dreaming of a vacation. It’s wonderful…and somewhat torturous at the same time. Soon enough that vacation will happen, but until then, let’s just build up the excitement with Monday night street tacos, Mexican-fiesta style.
Sound good? Perfect.
In full disclosure, traditional Carne Asada is always, always a grilled steak taco. But hear me out. For one, it’s not grilling weather up here in the mountains just yet (but I did provide grilling directions). And two? The slow cooker is easy, hands-off, and always leaves me with perfectly tender beef, that shreds nicely.
Just trying to do what’s easiest and what tastes best.
These fun street tacos were inspired by the ever so famous Carne Asada Burrito that’s commonly served up in the San Diego area. My cousin, Abby, who has lived in San Diego for years, loves these burritos. The best part about them? They come “loaded” with grilled carne asada, crema, salsa, cheese, and french fries. Yes, french fries in the burrito.
It’s weird but it’s also genius. So I took that concept, only I created a taco with shredded carne asada, lots of avocado, so much cilantro lime sauce, and fries on top…or on the side, whichever you prefer.
Ingredient Notes
- Marinade: keep the balance of acid (citrus) + salt + aromatics (garlic, cilantro, onion) + warm spices. Taste before pouring—add a pinch of salt if flat or a splash of citrus if dull.
- Beef cut: choose a cut that stays juicy low-and-slow; trim excess surface fat but leave some for flavor.
- Sweet/heat: a touch of honey or agave can round bitter notes; chilies/jalapeño for heat—scale to your crowd.
- Tortillas: corn for classic chew, flour for soft fold—warm either just before serving.
- Toppings (define “loaded”): creamy (avocado/crema), crunchy (shredded cabbage, radish), bright (lime, cilantro), salty (crumbly cheese), and a quick salsa.
Making these Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos is easy, here are the details.
First, pick your cooking method. I used the crockpot, but honestly cooking in the instant pot, or of course grilling, are equally easy and delicious. It all comes down to how much time you have. So take your pick.
Next, simply combine all of the ingredients. Flank steak, garlic, lots of seasonings, plenty of lime, and a splash of beer. Toss everything together in the bowl of the crockpot and cook until the steak is easily able to shred.
This next step is key. Remove the steak from the sauce, let it rest a bit, then lightly shred it and place it under the broiler. Cooking the steak under the broiler allows the steak to have a chance to caramelize and even become a bit crispy on the edges.
Yes…it’s an extra step, but I do think it’s worth it.
While the steak is cooking, get together the toppings.
The fries are simple. Just oven-baked fries seasoned up with chili powder, smoky paprika, and salt. Very simple to make and they come together quickly while the steak is cooking.
For the cilantro lime garlic sauce. It’s a simple mix of plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), garlic, lots of lime, lots of cilantro, and some green onions too. Not too fancy, but it’s my favorite cooling tangy sauce to serve with a spicy street-style taco.
The rest of the toppings are all up to you. I like to serve with chipotle salsa (my homemade recipe is in the HBH Super Simple Cookbook), lots of lettuce, cilantro, lime, jalapeños, and crumbled salty feta cheese.
And with that, who else is getting excited for Cinco de Mayo next week? Just add your favorite margarita to round out the meal. Plus extra chips, guacamole, and salsa too. Yummmm. Mexican nights are the best. Enjoy.
Bonus, the shredded beef is great as a leftover. Pile it high onto your favorite tortilla chips for some delicious nachos or serve it up atop greens for a Mexican inspired salad.
Make sure you have an airtight container for leftovers the next day!
How do I get grilled/ charred flavor without a grill?
Sear the beef before the slow cooker or broil/sauté the cooked meat briefly to caramelize the edges. A pinch of smoked salt can add subtle smoke.
Slice or shred? What’s right for crockpot carne asada?
If the roast holds together, slice thinly against the grain; if it’s super tender, shred and toss with reduced juices.
My sauce tastes too tangy or too salty—how do I fix it?
For too tangy, whisk in a small splash of reduced cooking juices or a hint of sweetness. For too salty, add fresh citrus and a little water, then reduce again to balance.
Best way to warm tortillas for a crowd?
Wrap stacks in foil and warm in a low oven; or heat individually on a dry skillet and keep in a towel-lined basket so they stay soft and steamy.
I’ve made a number of taco recipes over the past few months. If you’re looking for a few other options, give these a try!
Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Ranch
Mushroom Al Pastor Tacos with Garlic Lime Special Sauce
Slow Cooker Braised Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Tacos
Lastly, if you make these crockpot carne asada tacos with cilantro lime garlic sauce, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Crockpot Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro Lime Garlic Sauce
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 606 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1/2 cup Mexican beer, such as Negra Modelo (or water)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- warmed corn or flour tortillas,
- avocado, feta cheese, jalapeños, pickled onion, and shredded lettuce, for serving
Mexican Fries
- 4 potatoes, cut into ¼-inch-thick matchsticks
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- kosher salt
Cilantro Garlic Lime Crema
- zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1-2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
Crockpot
- 1. In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine the steak, garlic, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, pinch of salt, olive oil, lime juice and zest. Rub the seasonings into the steak. Add the beer. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. 2. Preheat the broiler to high. Remove the steak from the sauce to a baking sheet. Let rest 10 minutes. Lightly shred. Add 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid, then drizzle on the honey. Transfer to the broiler. Broil for 2-5 minutes, until the streak caramelizes. Watch closely! Toss with additional cooking liquid, if desired.3. Meanwhile, make the fries. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.4. Place the potatoes on a large baking sheet and toss with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and a large pinch of salt. Spread the fries in an even layer. Do not overcrowd the pan, if needed, divide the fries between 2 baking sheets. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, then flip and bake for 15 minutes more.5. To make the sauce. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined. Season with salt.6. Stuff the carne asada into the warmed tortillas. Top as desired with cilantro, lettuce, avocado, fries, cheese, and additional sauce. Enjoy!
Instant Pot
- 1. Cut the steak into 4 pieces. In the bowl of your instant pot, combine the steak, garlic, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, pinch of salt, olive oil, lime juice and zest. Rub the seasonings into the steak. Add the beer. Cover and cook on high pressure/manual for 8 minutes. Once done cooking, use the natural or quick release function and release the steam.2. Preheat the broiler to high. Remove the steak from the sauce to a baking sheet. Let rest 10 minutes. Lightly shred. Add 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid, then drizzle on the honey. Transfer to the broiler. Broil for 2-5 minutes, until the streak caramelizes. Watch closely! Toss with additional cooking liquid, if desired. 3. Follow the directions as directed above for steps 3-6.
Grill
- 1. Place the steak in a 9×13 inch pan. Add the garlic, chili powder, onion powder, paprika, pinch of salt, olive oil, lime juice and zest. Rub the seasonings into the steak. Add the beer. Marinate 30 minutes or in the fridge as long as overnight. 2. Preheat your grill or grill pan to high. 3. Remove the steak from its marinade and sear the steak for 5-8 minutes, flip and sear another 5 minutes or until your desired doneness is reached. Remove the steak from the grill and allow to rest 10 minutes. Slice steak thinly against the grain.4. Follow the directions as directed above for steps 3-6.
This post was originally published on April 27, 2020
So amazing! Another keeper! Thank you Tiegan! ?
Hey Glenn,
Happy Sunday! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and sharing your feedback! I love to hear that it was enjoyed! ☀️
Will skirt steak work with this recipe?
Hi Christopher,
Sure, that should work well for you! Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
The flavors were amazing! Used flank steak in the crockpot I shredded and cooked another 30 mins letting it soak up all of the flavors. We did street tacos with crema and some Mexican street corn. This might be my next family get together meal! Thanks Tieghan for another dinner win ?
Hey Jennifer,
Happy Monday!! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a go, I am so glad it was a winner:) Have the best week! xx
This was tender, flavorful and delicious. Wound up using thin cut sirloin and it shredded nicely. I found the pickled red onion recipe in HBH Every Day and those were the perfect accompaniment with the Crema! We used smaller tortillas and made street tacos. Yummy!
Hi Lucy,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for your review:) Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! xx
Hello! Would any kind of beer work well with this recipe? Or can you recommend another beer?
Hey Jodi,
Sure, I bet most beers would work, I probably wouldn’t use an IPA but Pacifico, Corona, Modelo would all be great options! xTieghan
Delish and all my family devoured the meal! 100% would make it again!
Hey Rachelle,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am thrilled to hear that it was enjoyed, we appreciate the feedback! xTieghan
WOWWWW! Everything about this was amazing. The only notes to add are: imy flank steak was unfortunately a little tough, I think shredding it more fine would have helped this. I also did sweet potatoes for the fries, and added pickled onions and queso fresco to my tacos. Unreal! Will absolutely be making again. Already dreaming of the crema.
Hey Julia,
Happy Friday!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for making it! So sorry to hear about your steak. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help next time. xTieghan
Perfect combination of flavors. Another dinner success! Thank you Tieghan!
Hey Deborah,
That’s great!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for making it! xxT
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? The night before? Busy mom of four, including a newborn, who needs to simplify at every opportunity. Thanks!
Hi there,
Totally, just keep in the fridge until you are ready to use! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xT
Hi, this looks wonderful. Could I cook it in a Dutch Oven?
Hi there,
You bet!! Follow the crockpot instructions and simmer on medium-low heat for 2-3 hours. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
Hi,
We don’t eat cilantro or scallions so I’m wondering if you have any suggestions for an alternative sauce? Thank you
Hey Michelle,
You could use any other herbs that you enjoy, parsley would work well for you! Are you able to use onions or shallots? That would be great too! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
5 star in the crockpot- delicious & perfect.
1 star in the instant pot- not cooked at all and needed to guess on how much more time it needed to cook.
Hi Alyssa,
Happy Sunday!! Love to hear that you have enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it!! Sorry to hear about the instant pot. xx
I found it needed 20 minutes in the Instant pot to get shreddy.
Agreed – The instant pot time is definitely too short for those looking to use that method. Meat is so tough. I let it cool and put it in the fridge as I didn’t have time to put it in for longer. I will pressure cook it once again this evening for an additional 20 minutes to see if that saves the meat. Fingers crossed! Still love HBH, it happens !
This was delicious! A little spicy, but the cream and pickled onions calmed them down. We did not make the fries, but will definitely add that next time. I did have 4 lbs of meat and it was tender after the 6hrs in the crock pot.
Hey Cindi,
Awesome!! I am thrilled that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have a great week:) xx
Would a chuck roast work for this recipe? Thanks!!
Hey Amelia,
Yes, that will work well for you. Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
I made this yesterday for my family and it was a hit. I only made the carne asada, so I can’t give a review on the other recipes. It was super easy assembling everything in the crock pot and the meat was tender & delicious. Will definitely make again! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Hey Heather,
Fantastic!! I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for making it! xTieghan