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Stovetop beef Carnitas Recipe

Stovetop Beef Carnitas

Stovetop beef carnitas are a delightful twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, perfect for taco nights, family gatherings, or cozy dinners at home. This recipe is designed for easy preparation without sacrificing flavor, offering tender and juicy beef infused with aromatic spices. The versatility of beef carnitas means they can be served in tacos, burritos, or even on top of a fresh salad.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the chuck roast and cut into large chunks. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides.
  3. Remove the beef and sauté onions and garlic in the same pot until soft and fragrant.
  4. Return the beef to the pot, adding cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Stir well to coat.
  5. Pour enough water to cover half of the beef. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours until tender.
  6. Shred the beef using two forks right in the pot. Serve warm with garnished parsley over tortillas or rice.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 120 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approximately 133g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Use a well-marbled chuck roast for optimal tenderness. Browning the meat enhances flavor through caramelization—don't skip this step! Add lime juice just before serving for a burst of freshness. Customize your carnitas by adjusting spices or adding chipotle peppers for heat.