Crock Pot Chipotle Beef Carnitas

This Crock Pot Chipotle Beef Carnitas is a smoky and tender recipe, which uses chipotle peppers and beef chuck roast. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 10 hours and 20 minutes.

Crock Pot Chipotle Beef Carnitas Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds)
• 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 3 poblano peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 jar (16 ounces) salsa
• 16 flour tortillas (8 inches), warmed
• 3 cups crumbled queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Optional toppings: cubed avocado, sour cream and minced fresh cilantro

How To Make Crock Pot Chipotle Beef Carnitas

1. Mix the spice rub: Combine salt, brown sugar, cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, mustard, oregano, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
2. Prep the meat: Cut the beef roast in half and rub all over with 1/4 cup of the spice mix. Store the leftover spice mix in a cool, dry place.
3. Layer the slow cooker: Place sliced onions and poblano peppers at the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker.
4. Sear the roast: In a skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Brown the roast on all sides, then transfer it and the drippings to the slow cooker.
5. Add salsa and cook: Top the meat with chopped chipotle peppers and salsa. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, until the meat is very tender.
6. Shred the meat: Remove the roast from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Skim fat from the cooking juices.
7. Reheat and serve: Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker to warm through. Spoon 1/2 cup of the meat onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and add desired toppings.

Recipe Tips

• Can I make this spicier? Add more chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.
• What cut of beef is best for carnitas? A boneless beef chuck roast is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
• How to keep tortillas warm: Wrap them in foil and place in a warm oven, or use a tortilla warmer.
• How to shred beef easily: Use two forks or a hand mixer on low speed to quickly shred the meat.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the beef a day in advance and reheat it in the slow cooker or stovetop.

What To Serve With Chipotle Beef Carnitas

These carnitas are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:

• Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
• Refried beans or black beans
• Grilled corn or elote
• Fresh guacamole and chips
• A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette

How To Store Chipotle Beef Carnitas

Refrigerate: Store leftover meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze shredded meat in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Chipotle Beef Carnitas Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 415
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 830mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugars: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 27g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used

FAQs

Can I use pork instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, pork shoulder or pork butt also works great in this recipe.

How to make it less spicy?
Use only one chipotle pepper or remove the seeds to reduce the heat.

Why is my beef not shredding easily?
It likely needs more cooking time. Make sure the roast is fork-tender before shredding.

Can I cook this on high?
Yes, but the meat may be less tender. Cook on high for 4-5 hours, checking for tenderness.

Do I have to brown the meat first?
Browning adds flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Beef Sauerbraten Soup
• Crock Pot Jerked Beef Short Ribs
• Crock Pot Beef Burritos With Green Chiles