Name: Instant Pot Beef Carnitas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons kosher salt (Morton’s recommended), plus more to taste; 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano, rubbed between fingers; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper; 4 1/2 pounds beef, cut into 2-inch pieces; 3 jalapeños, halved lengthwise; 6 garlic cloves, peeled but left whole; Zest of 1 orange; Juice of 1 orange

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 9 reviews

If you have a craving for tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced meat that melts in your mouth, you are going to fall in love with this Instant Pot Beef Carnitas Recipe. This dish takes the traditional carnitas concept and ramps it up using beef, creating a luscious, savory feast that’s bursting with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors. With just a handful of simple ingredients and the magic of the Instant Pot, you’ll have deeply aromatic, juicy carnitas ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or any time you want to impress without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Raw pieces of pink meat with white fat veins are stacked in the center on a white plate with a slightly wavy rim at the bottom right. To the left of the plate, two whole dark green jalapeño peppers lie on a white marbled surface. Above them, a small white bowl with green speckles holds dried leafy herbs. Next to it, two small clear glass bowls contain different fine ground spices in light brown and yellowish-green colors. To the right, a whole bulb of garlic along with three separated garlic cloves with light brown skins rest on the white marbled surface. An orange with a bright orange rind sits near the garlic, while two orange halves with juicy, bright orange flesh and seeds are placed cut side up in the bottom left corner. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Instant Pot Beef Carnitas Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role, from the spices that layer the meat with warmth and complexity, to the jalapeños and citrus that add fresh brightness and a touch of heat. These ingredients are easy to find and will transform your beef into something unforgettable.

Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and balances the spices perfectly.
Dried Mexican oregano (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds an earthy, slightly minty aroma essential for authentic carnitas.
Ground coriander (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brings a subtle citrus note that complements the orange zest beautifully.
Ground cumin (1 1/2 teaspoons): Gives the meat that warm, smoky backbone everyone loves in Latin dishes.
Freshly ground black pepper (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle kick and depth to the overall flavor.
Beef, cut into 2″ pieces (4 1/2 pounds): The hearty star of the show, chosen for its perfect texture after pressure cooking.
Jalapeños, halved lengthwise (3): Infuses a gentle heat and a touch of herbal freshness.
Garlic cloves, peeled and whole (6): Fill the dish with classic aroma and savory sweetness.
Orange zest (from 1 orange): Adds a bright, citrusy lift that enlivens all the spices.
Orange juice (from 1 orange): Tenderizes the meat and provides a sweet-acid balance, perfect for carnitas.

How to Make Instant Pot Beef Carnitas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix

Start by whisking together kosher salt, Mexican oregano, ground coriander, and ground cumin in a small bowl. This combination is the magic dust that transforms simple beef into incredibly flavorful carnitas. The key is to break up the oregano between your fingers so it releases its aroma and fully infuses the meat.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Instant Pot

Place half of the beef pieces in the bottom of the Instant Pot and sprinkle them evenly with half of the spice mixture. Then scatter half the jalapeño halves, garlic cloves, and orange zest on top. Layer the remaining beef pieces over that and repeat the seasoning and scattering process. Pour fresh orange juice gently down the side to settle at the bottom without washing away the spices. This layering locks in flavors and ensures every bite is deliciously seasoned.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Beef

Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Pressure cooking tenderizes the beef efficiently, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly while keeping the meat juicy. Once done, carefully release the pressure manually to avoid overcooking. This step is crucial to maintaining that ideal carnitas texture.

Step 4: Shred and Season the Meat

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beef to a large container and shred it with two forks. Meanwhile, pour the cooking liquid into a fat separator to remove excess fat, then drizzle some of the flavorful liquid back over the shredded beef. This step keeps the meat moist but not soggy—perfect for crisping it up next.

Step 5: Crisp the Carnitas

Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat, then add the shredded beef in batches. Cook undisturbed until a golden crust forms on the bottom, about 5 to 7 minutes. This searing step adds unbeatable texture and a slightly smoky, caramelized flavor that turns this dish from great to spectacular. I recommend browning only one side to keep the beef juicy inside but with that crave-worthy crispy finish.

How to Serve Instant Pot Beef Carnitas Recipe

Inside a shiny metal bowl, there are large pieces of raw meat with a pink and slightly red color, sprinkled with black pepper and small bits of orange zest on top. Among the meat chunks, there are four halved green jalapeño peppers showing seeds and white garlic cloves scattered around. A woman's hand is holding the side of the bowl from the bottom left corner. The bowl is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing complements the rich carnitas better than fresh garnishes. Brighten your plate with chopped cilantro, diced red onions, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. These add pops of freshness and tang that balance the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This Instant Pot Beef Carnitas Recipe pairs beautifully with traditional Mexican sides like warm corn tortillas, Mexican rice, and refried beans. For a fresh contrast, try a simple avocado salad or pickled jalapeños. These sides round out the meal, offering texture variety and complementary flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by turning your carnitas into tacos, burritos, or nachos. You can also pile the carnitas on tostadas for a crunchy treat or serve it over a hearty grain bowl topped with your favorite veggies and salsas. The versatility of this recipe makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, and you can easily reheat for quick meals throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash some carnitas for later, freeze the shredded beef in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and it will taste just as good as freshly made.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your carnitas gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crisp up the edges again if you like that caramelized texture. You can also microwave them covered, but crisping in a pan really brings back the magic of this dish.

FAQs

Can I use pork instead of beef for this Instant Pot Beef Carnitas Recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe specifically highlights beef for a hearty twist, traditional carnitas are often made with pork shoulder. The method works beautifully with pork too, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is this dish?

The jalapeños provide a mild to moderate heat level, but you can adjust by adding more or removing the seeds before cooking. The spices balance the heat so it’s flavorful but not overwhelming.

Do I need an Instant Pot specifically?

While this recipe is designed for the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking function to save time and maximize juiciness, you could adapt it for slow cooking or oven braising, though cooking times will be longer.

Why do I need to brown the carnitas after cooking?

Browning the shredded meat adds a crispy, golden crust that elevates the texture and flavor, making the carnitas irresistible. It transforms tender meat into something with delightful contrast.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free, making this Instant Pot Beef Carnitas Recipe a perfect choice for anyone avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Instant Pot Beef Carnitas Recipe will become a staple in your kitchen once you try it. It’s such a joyful way to enjoy bold, comforting flavors in a quick and fuss-free manner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a delicious homemade meal, this recipe has you covered. Get ready to savor every bite!