Beef Carnitas Tacos Recipe

I absolutely love this Beef Carnitas Tacos recipe because it fills my kitchen with the most amazing aromas while the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Plus, the combination of citrusy lime and orange with smoky spices creates a burst of flavor that makes every taco night feel like a mini fiesta! 🎉🌮

I enjoy making Beef Carnitas Tacos using succulent chuck roast, perfectly seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Orange and lime juice (zesty!) brighten the flavor, while diced onions and fresh chopped cilantro add a nice finish.

These tacos are packed with so much flavor that you might find them hard to forget.

Ingredients

Chuck roast is a beef cut that is rich in protein and iron, offering a substantial base to any recipe.

Onion: Contributes sweetness and profundity, loaded with antioxidants.

Garlic: Boosts flavor profile, provides anti-inflammatory properties.

Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that helps with digestion.

Cumin is also a good way to boost your immunity.

Chili Powder: Imparts warmth and depth, kickstarts metabolism.

Paprika, Smoked: Imparts a smoky flavor, rich in antioxidants.

Juice of the orange: Sweetness adds zest and is high in Vitamin C.

Juice of lime: It sharpens flavors, makes good Vitamin C source.

Cilantro: Contributes to a fresh flavor, with possible detoxifying properties.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 16 small corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup diced onions for garnish
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. In a sizable frying pan or Dutch oven, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Place the beef chuck roast cubes in the pan and sear them, turning as needed, until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Take the beef from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until you smell their aroma.

4. Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth, orange juice, and lime juice. Stir to combine, making sure the beef is submerged in the broth.

5. Simmer the mixture, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for
2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and shreds easily.

6. When the beef is cooked, shred it with two forks and mix it well with the cooking juices.

7. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until they’re slightly charred and very pliable.

8. To prepare the tacos, place an ample amount of shredded beef on each tortilla.

9. Add chopped fresh cilantro and diced onions on top as a garnish.

10. Accompany with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos just before eating. Relish your Beef Carnitas Tacos!

Equipment Needed

1. Frying pan or Dutch oven
2. Tongs
3. Spatula
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Mixing spoon
9. Two forks (for shredding beef)
10. Small skillet (for warming tortillas)

FAQ

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?Sure, you can substitute beef brisket or short ribs for the chuck roast, but the latter is preferred for its even balance of richness, tenderness, and beef flavor.
• How can I make the tacos less spicy?To make the dish milder, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.
• Is there a substitute for orange juice in the marinade?Pineapple juice or apple juice can replace orange juice, but this will change the flavor a bit.
• Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?After browning the beef, you can put all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it do the work for 6-8 hours on low.
• How can I keep the corn tortillas from breaking?The tortillas should be warmed on a skillet or in a microwave, wrapped in a damp towel, to make them flexible enough to be served.
• Can I prep this recipe in advance?You can enhance the flavors of the beef overnight by marinating it in the refrigerator.
• What toppings go well with beef carnitas tacos?Besides cilantro and diced onions, you can include avocado slices, salsa, or crumbled queso fresco.

Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil can be used in place of the vegetable oil.
Substitute chicken broth for beef broth for a slightly different flavor.
Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke.
If fresh garlic is not available, substitute it with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Substitute pineapple juice for orange juice to add a tropical flair.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate for Extra Flavor For an additional depth of flavor, marinate the beef cubes with the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

2. Sear in Batches When searing the beef cubes, do it in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures a nice, brown crust on each piece, enhancing the flavor of the dish.

3. Try Using a Slow Cooker For convenience and to ensure tender meat, you can transfer the seared beef and other ingredients into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is perfectly tender.

4. Char the Tortillas Carefully When warming the corn tortillas, keep a close eye to avoid burning them. Just a slight char adds a lovely smoky flavor to your tacos.

5. Optimize Juice Proportions Adjust the ratio of orange and lime juice to your taste preference. If you like a more citrusy kick, add extra lime juice just before serving.