03/05/2026
Healthy cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.
Tonight I’m prepping one of our family favorites — lean beef carnitas — and it starts just like this… real ingredients, simple seasoning, and letting time do the work.
As a busy mom and health coach, I’m always looking for ways to make meals that are high in protein, lower in unnecessary fats, and still full of flavor.
This version skips the oil and uses unsalted beef broth and a lean chuck eye round roast so you get all the flavor without the heaviness.
Real food. Simple ingredients. Family approved.
If you want the recipe, I’ve included it below. 👇
— Fit Busy Mom Coach Julie
🌮 Easy & Healthy Beef Carnitas
(Slow Cooker or Instant Pot)
Ingredients
• 2–3 lbs lean chuck eye round roast, trimmed
• 1 cup unsalted beef broth
• 1 large sweet onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 lime
Seasonings
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Sea salt to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep
Place sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
2️⃣ Season the Roast
Rub the roast with the spices and place it on top of the onions.
3️⃣ Add Liquids
Pour the unsalted beef broth, orange juice, and lime juice over the meat.
4️⃣ Cook
Slow Cooker
• LOW 8–10 hours
or
• HIGH 4–5 hours
Instant Pot
• Pressure cook 60 minutes, natural release.
5️⃣ Shred
Remove beef and shred with two forks.
6️⃣ Optional Crispy Finish (Recommended)
Spread shredded meat on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little cooking juice, and broil 3–5 minutes for crispy carnitas edges.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
• Corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced onion
• Avocado
• Lime wedges
Or use it for:
• Burrito bowls
• Taco salads
• Protein meal prep bowls
💪 High protein. Simple ingredients. Family friendly.
Disclaimer: This recipe and nutrition content are for educational and informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making dietary changes, especially if you have medical conditions or specific nutritional needs.
Fit Busy Mom Coach Julie Williams,BS,CHC, IWHI-certified perimenopause and menopause specialist and Exercise Professional