Slow Cooker Beef Carne Adovada

For a deeper flavor, toast the chili powder in a dry skillet before mixing with the cornstarch and water.

Make sure to trim excess fat from the beef before marinating for a leaner finished dish.

For a smokier taste, add a touch of chipotle powder or canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the marinade.

What beef should I use in this recipe?

You can use regular stew beef, flank steak, or skirt steak.

Can I cook this on low in the slow cooker instead of on high?

Yes, plan on cooking it on low for about 6 hours or until the beef is tender. Actual cooking time will vary by slow cooker manufacturer.

What is carne adovada?

Carne adovada is a traditional New Mexican dish consisting of pork or beef marinated in a red chile sauce and slow-cooked until tender.

Can I use pork instead of beef for this recipe?

You can easily substitute pork for beef in this recipe to make pork adovada.

What can I serve carne adovada with?

Carne adovada can be used in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, on top of nachos, or served with rice and beans.

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a crock pot?

You can cook the marinated beef in a covered Dutch oven or roasting pan in a 300 degrees F oven for 3-4 hours until tender.

Can I freeze the carne adovada?

Yes, cooked carne adovada freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How should I reheat carne adovada?

Reheat carne adovada gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Mixing Bowl: For combining the marinade for the beef cubes.

Zip-top Plastic Bags or Non-Reactive Container: Needed to marinate the beef cubes overnight. Make sure to press out any air from the bags to make sure the beef is evenly coated in the marinade.

Crock Pot: For slow cooking the marinated beef cubes. This slow cooking process will allow the beef to absorb all the delicious flavors of the marinade.

Refrigerator: To chill and marinate the beef cubes for 8 to 12 hours. Make sure there is enough space in the refrigerator to allow the beef to marinate properly.

Patience: An essential tool for any cook, as slow cooking the beef until tender requires a bit of waiting. But trust us, it will be worth it in the end!

Wine Pairings
Red Zinfandel: The bold and spicy flavor of red zinfandel pairs perfectly with the chili powder in the marinade.

Malbec: The dark fruit flavors and smokiness of malbec enhance the deep flavors of the beef adovada.

Other Alcohol Pairings
Mexican Lager: The light and crisp nature of a Mexican lager helps balance out the spiciness of the adovada.

Tequila and Grapefruit Paloma: The citrusy and slightly bitter taste of the Paloma cocktail cuts through the richness of the beef adovada, creating a refreshing and well-balanced pairing.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Horchata: The creamy and slightly sweet horchata is a perfect non-alcoholic pairing with beef adovada, offering a cool and refreshing contrast to the spicy dish.

Iced Hibiscus Tea: The floral and tart notes of iced hibiscus tea provide a refreshing and slightly tangy beverage to enjoy alongside the bold flavors of the beef.