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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.
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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!
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.
If the roast holds together, slice thinly against the grain; if it’s super tender, shred and toss with reduced juices.
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.
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
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
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.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Made this but omitted the cilantro and it was AMAZING!!!! I’ve never even heard of french fries in tacos before but it was the bomb for both me and hubby!
Thank you so much Nevada! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Love all of your recipes and this looks so yummy! Think I could use beef stew meat in the croc pot and pull it apart?
Hi Roxie,
Yes that would work! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This was so incredibly delicious and so easy to make!! The only thing was it was spicy which I loved but my kids wouldn’t. Any suggestions on how to keep the flavors but lessen the spice. But seriously, the absolute best!!
Hi Liz,
So glad you enjoyed the recipe. For less spice, try reducing the smoked paprika and chipotle chili next time. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I made these for my fiancées birthday today. They were a huge hit with him and I have to say I was proud of myself for pulling it off 🙂 broiling then steak took it to the next level and the pickled onions made it a pretty dish. This is the first recipe I’ve made of yours and now I will definitely be back!
Thank you so much Krista! That is so amazing to hear! xTieghan
These look Amazing!! I see honey in the list of ingredients but not when to add it. Assuming It goes in the marinade?
Hi Shawne! It is in step number two! You drizzle it on right before it goes in the broiler! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Oh my gosh! I tried this recipe last night for the family and it was SO GOOD!! So easy because of the crockpot and the extra step of putting it under the broiler does add a little bit of crunch to the steak. I wasn’t sure about the fries but I ended up making them and I am so glad that I did. They added heat to the meat which had a little bit of sweet heat – trust me, try them. The whole family approved. I will definitely be adding these to the menu arsenal. Thank you.
Thank you so much Nancy! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
These are DELICIOUS!!!! I used the crockpot method. My oldest son, home from college, said he wants the recipe, yay!!! Love ALL your recipes, such awesome creativity!!! Many Thanks!!!
Wow that is so great! I hope you continue to enjoy my recipes, Holly! xTieghan
Amazing I am making them this week – are there any notes on how to pickle those gorgeous looking onions are they the red or white style – can’t wait to try these tacos!
Hi Mel! I hope this recipe turns out amazing for you!! Thank you! xTieghan
perfection. added a queso fundido and a full bodied zinfandel. keep these recipes comin!
Amazing! I am so glad this recipe turned out so well for you, Cheryl! xTieghan
These look great! Can you help me adjust cooking time in the slow cooker if I only have 1 lbs of flank steak? Would ingredients be okay halved or do I need more liquid in the slow cooker? Thank you!
Hi Olivia,
I would just keep everything the same! I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
There was slim picking at the store. They only had tenderloin. Do you think I can just marinate it and grill it? I have no idea how filet would do in a crockpot… Any thoughts? Thanks!
Hi Eliza,
Yes that would be fine, I would just recommend grilling the tenderloin. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Making this tomorrow night!
One question, I looked, but couldn’t find how you pickle your onions? Could you share or direct me to where I can find it on your website?
Thanks!
Hi Kelly! Yes I will leave the link below! I hope you love this recipe! xTieghan
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/quick-pickled-veggies/
I didn’t have steak, so I just used chicken in the instant pot and I can’t stress enough how amazing they were! Thanks so much for the easy recipe!
Thank you so much Lindsey! xTieghan
Looks delicious!!! Can you please share your favorite slow cooker? Thank you so much!! Your recipes are wonderful!!!
Hi Kim! I am so glad you like this and I hope it turns out amazing for you! Here is one of my favorites! https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/all-clad-gourmet-slow-cooker-with-all-in-one-browning/?clickid=2KJ0Ku3Y4xyOTB3wUx0Mo34GUkiz0R24NzxLRk0&irgwc=1&cm_cat=116548&cm_ven=afshoppromo&bnrid=3917500&cm_ite=&cm_pla=ir&irpid=116548
xTieghan
Family commented 3 times during dinner how much they loved this! I used the slow cooker and enjoyed my day in the garden. Thanks for making me look like super mom!
Wishing you all health and happiness.
Wow thank you so much Lauren! I hope you are staying well! xTieghan