Craving the bold flavors of Carne Asada but short on time? Fear not – I’ve got your back with the ultimate freezer meal: Carne Asada freezer meal! This recipe has juicy steak slices, marinated to perfection, ready to rescue you from the chaos of weeknight dinners.
Let’s face it, life as a parent is a whirlwind of activities, leaving little room or energy for elaborate meal prep. That’s where freezer meals come in clutch, offering a delicious shortcut to homemade goodness. With this make-ahead Carne Asada recipe, you can kiss mealtime stress goodbye and embrace the convenience of ready-to-cook goodness straight from your freezer.
So, dear friends, let’s make mealtime magic happen together! Whip up a batch of this flavorful Carne Asada, stash it in the freezer for those crazy days, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing dinner is sorted. Because when it comes to feeding our families, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring that every meal is a celebration of love, togetherness, and, of course, fantastic flavors!
Why you’ll love this Carne Asada Freezer Meal Recipe
- Healthy Choice: Lean cuts of beef paired with fresh ingredients in the marinade make Carne Asada a nutritious option for family dinners.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and marinade ingredients to suit your family’s taste preferences, ensuring everyone is happy at the dinner table.
- Easy Cleanup: Skip the dishes by using disposable plates and utensils for a stress-free cleanup after dinner.
- Impromptu Dinner Parties: With Carne Asada in the freezer, you’re always ready to host impromptu gatherings with friends and family.
- Time-Saving Solution: Say goodbye to spending hours in the kitchen – Carne Asada freezer meals offer a convenient solution for tired parents craving a break from cooking every night.
- 1 Slow Cooker
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- 1 High speed blender
- 2-3 lb Flank steak
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Orange juice
- 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp Raw honey
- 2 cups uncooked rice
- Label gallon freezer bag according to your preferred labeling method.
- Add sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. You may have to scrape sides once or twice.
- Add all ingredients to a labeled gallon freezer bag.
- Store in the freezer for up to three months.
- Thaw overnight in fridge ( Meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok)
- Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Remove and shred meat, stir back into sauce. Serve over rice, and enjoy!
Equipment needed to make Make-Ahead Carne Asada?
- 1 Slow Cooker
- 1 gallon freezer bag
- 1 High speed blender
Ingredients for your Carne Asada?
- 2-3 lb Flank steak
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- Sauce(Blend together)
- 1/4 cup Orange juice
- 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp Raw honey
- For serving:
- 2 cups uncooked rice
How to make a Carne Asada
Prep/freezer directions:
- Label gallon freezer bag according to your preferred labeling method.
- Add sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. You may have to scrape sides once or twice.
- Add all ingredients to a labeled gallon freezer bag.
- Store in the freezer for up to three months.
Slow cooker directions:
- Thaw overnight in fridge ( Meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok)
- Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Remove and shred meat, stir back into sauce. Serve over rice, and enjoy!
What to pair with your Freezer-Friendly Carne Asada?
Sides:
- Mexican Grilled Vegetables
- Mexican Black beans
- Homemade Guacamole
Desserts:
- Mexican Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
- ChocoFlan
- Mango Margarita Sorbet
Mocktails:
- Virgin Mojito Slushie
- Sparkling Peach Iced Tea
- Raspberry Lime Sparkler
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
- Honey-Lime Marinated Flank Steak: Instead of using raw honey, substitute it with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Citrus-Marinated Chicken: If you’re looking for a poultry option, swap the flank steak with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
- Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: Instead of traditional rice, consider using quinoa or cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative.
Additions:
- Vegetable Medley: Add a colorful assortment of vegetables to the Carne Asada freezer meal for added nutrition and flavor. Consider including bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, sliced and tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, and cumin before freezing alongside the meat.
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa: Prepare a black bean and corn salsa using canned black beans, frozen corn kernels, diced tomatoes, diced red onions, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a dash of chili powder.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: Create a tropical fruit salad using frozen pineapple chunks, mango chunks, and sliced strawberries. Toss the fruit with fresh lime juice and a drizzle of honey before freezing in individual portions.
How to Reheat and Store Carne Asada?
Best way to store Easy Carne Asada Freezer Prep?
Before you go to store your carne asada leftovers, you must first allow your leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours. If you have a large amount of leftovers, consider portioning them into smaller servings before storing. This allows for easier reheating when the time comes.
Place the leftover Carne Asada in an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed properly to prevent air exposure which can cause the meat to dry out. Always label and date your leftovers to keep track of freshness.
How long will Carne Asada last in the fridge?
When you properly allow your leftovers to cool completely, and you have properly stored your leftovers in containers or resealable bags, your leftovers should remain fresh for 3-5 days. Make sure not to store your leftovers in tight places or squish your leftovers, if you are using bags, as this will compromise your leftovers.
Can I freeze Make Ahead Carne Asada?
Yes, freezing is a great option if you are not able to eat your leftovers within the refrigeration time frame. Once the carne asada is cooled to room temperature, wrap the Carne Asada tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer safe container or resealable freezer bag. Properly stored, Carne Asada can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without sacrificing too much quality.
How to Reheat Convenient Freezer Carne Asada?
When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, it is time to thaw them out. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and the flavor of the meat, which is obviously what we desire in our meals. Reheat the leftover Carne Asada using your preferred method, either using a grill, stovetop, or microwaving until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent the meat from becoming dry or too tough.
Homemade Freezer Friendly Carne Asada FAQs
Other Beef Recipes you’ll love!
Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later!
Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Carne Asada turned out!
Leigh Ann says:
This marinate doesn’t include any salt, so be sure to salt the meat before cooking. We chose to grill the steak and slice, and it was great. Paired it with the Mexican beans linked here and the Mexican rice flavor of Rice-a-Roni, and it was probably the best Mexican meal I’ve attempted at home. If there are leftovers, you could mix the rice, beans, and steak into a burrito and drizzle with cheese dip.
Hannah Stewart says:
Sounds delicious!
Brittany says:
Does this make 1 meal? Or are ingredients meant to split into 2 batches?
Hannah Stewart says:
This recipe is for one meal!