Monday felt like it needed a fun dinner, so taco night it is. But guys, these are not your average tacos. Nope, they’re better, they’re what I’m calling “loaded” carne asada street tacos. They might not be one hundred percent traditional, but they’re fun and delicious. Perfect for a Monday night…well perfect for any night. But these tacos are sure to livin’ up an average Monday, you know? 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. Since many of us are feeling a bit bored at home right now, it’s a great time to have some fun with some Mexican inspired dinners. 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. Sound good? Perfect.
The background and the story.
In full disclosure, Carne Asada is always, always a grilled steak taco. So I’m sure many of you might be giving me the side-eye for cooking these up in the slow cooker. 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.
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, and or what your preferred cooking method is. 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. These are not a hardcore classic Carne Asada taco, but they are so darn good, and a taco that everyone will love and have fun eating too. The steak can be slow-cooked all day, then everyone can build their own tacos for dinner. Easy, fun, and all-around good. And of course, if you have the perfect grilling weather, you can grill the streak too. Perfect for the upcoming summer months! And with that, who else is getting excited for Cinco de Mayo next week? It’s something to look forward to and we all need that these days. Just add your favorite margarita to round out the meal. Plus extra chips, guacamole, and salsa too. Yummmm. Mexican nights are the best. Enjoy.
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!
