Melt-in-Your-Mouth Carne Picada Slow Cooker Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a slow-cooked meal that practically melts in your mouth, and our carne picada slow cooker recipe delivers exactly that. Carne picada, a traditional Latin American dish featuring finely diced or ground beef, is elevated to new heights of tenderness and flavor when prepared in a slow cooker. This method ensures every bite is infused with rich spices and savory goodness, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Carne Picada?

The slow cooker is an invaluable kitchen appliance, especially when it comes to transforming tougher cuts of meat into unbelievably tender dishes. For carne picada, its benefits are numerous:

• Unmatched Tenderness: Low and slow cooking breaks down connective tissues, resulting in meat that’s incredibly soft and easy to shred or serve.
• Deep Flavor Development: Hours of simmering allow the ingredients to meld together, creating a complex and rich flavor profile that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.
• Effortless Convenience: Simply add your ingredients, set it, and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work, freeing up your time for other activities.
• Consistent Results: It’s nearly impossible to overcook or dry out meat in a slow cooker, ensuring a perfect outcome every time.

The Perfect Melt-in-Your-Mouth Carne Picada Slow Cooker Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast, finely diced (or coarse ground beef)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. If using chuck roast, finely dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. If using ground beef, you may wish to lightly brown it in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil before adding to the slow cooker to develop deeper flavor. Drain any excess fat.
2. In your slow cooker, combine the diced beef (or browned ground beef), chopped onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, and minced jalapeño (if using).
3. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients gently to combine, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily pulls apart.
5. Once cooked, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the meat and vegetables, then simmer the liquid on the stovetop until reduced, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile carne picada is fantastic in many ways. Serve it in warm tortillas for delicious tacos, over fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty bowl, or alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter meal. It also makes an excellent filling for burritos, empanadas, or even topping for nachos.

Nutritional Benefits of Carne Picada

Beyond its incredible taste, this carne picada slow cooker recipe offers notable nutritional benefits. Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and provides vital nutrients like iron and zinc, which are crucial for energy production and immune function. The addition of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes contributes fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this a well-rounded and nourishing meal.

Tips for the Best Carne Picada Slow Cooker Recipe

• Browning the Meat: While optional, browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker can add a layer of complex, savory flavor due to the Maillard reaction.
• Don’t Overfill: Ensure your slow cooker isn’t filled more than two-thirds full to allow for proper cooking and prevent overflowing.
• Adjust Heat: If you prefer less spice, omit the jalapeño. For more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Rest the Meat: After cooking, letting the carne picada rest for 10-15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, leading to even more tender results.

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Embrace the ease and deliciousness of this amazing carne picada slow cooker recipe. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the magic of slow cooking, can yield a truly unforgettable dish that will become a staple in your home.

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