December 5, 2011

Woman's Day Beef Soft Tacos with Pineapple Salsa


Since my oldest started kindergarten this year, I seem to have less and less time to spend on meal preps. I always thought that as soon as one of my sons was in school, my days would get much easier. Boy was I wrong! My oldest gets home from school at 3 and my house turns into utter chaos as I try to get dinner on the table by the time my husband comes home from work at around 4. Since my husband starts work at 7 we eat a lot earlier than most households. I have tried switching out dinner time later, which just led to both my boys and husband eating way too many snacks and skipping dinner. One of the best solutions I have found is making a slow cooker meal at least once a week. This way I have one day where I don't have to run around trying to finish things up and have time to spend on homework etc. The November issue of Woman's Day magazine had a recipe for Beef Soft Tacos with Pineapple Salsa, which looked like a great combination of citrus and beef and a great way to save time on dinner prep. 

This recipe has 12 ingredients. It takes 8-10 hours of cook and prep, 10 minutes of which is active and makes 4 servings. I did have to make a major modification to the ingredients due to lack of availability at my local grocery store. I have never seen flank steak, so I chose to substitute flat iron steak instead. Honestly, that is one of my husband's favorite cuts of beef, so he was very happy with the change. Additionally, I always braise my meat before I place it in the crockpot. The flavor and juices are locked in and it really does make a difference in the resulting taste. I always use my crockpot on low. There is nothing wrong with using your crockpot on high, I just find that I like the flavor of meat more when it has been on a lower temp for a longer amount of time. I chose to add the ancho chili powder, since it is now readily available in my area and I love the flavor. I followed the remainder of the recipe as written. 

As with most taco recipes, this dish was well received by my family. I loved the pineapple salsa, it gave the beef a great flavor. The flat iron steak was a delicious substitution and turned out tender and moist. I chose to seed the jalapeno since I was cooking for kids, but the recipe would well with the seeds left in as well. Overall, a very easy crockpot recipe, perfect for a busy weeknight meal. 

For the recipe go to Beef Soft Tacos with Pineapple Salsa.




12 comments:

  1. Crock pot cooking has saved me many a night!! It really makes the food delicious and saves you on the prep time.

    I used to think that when my son got older, he'd be easier to parent but it's not true. He's still a good kid but he has all these responsibilities, homework, sports, etc. that take up a lot more of his and my time. Quick meals like this are such a great idea!! I like the pineapple salsa flavor with beef. I think it would be a delicious dinner to try!

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  2. Tacos with a tropical twist does sound like something I would enjoy! Also the crockpot method is an extra bonus since everyone is so busy these days.
    Thanks for sharing this link and have a great day!

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  3. Yum. This sounds great. I'll have to give it a try sometime.

    I'm a new follower from BSN and I'm glad I stopped by.

    -Jenn
    http://culinarycozies.blogspot.com

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  4. @Jean Crockpot recipes are definitely great for busy weeknight meals, love them! Glad to know I'm not the only one that feels that with their kids in school they don't have any more time :) The beef and pineapple combo really do work well together and taste delicious!

    @Tina The crockpot method really does save a lot of time. I love the pineapple/beef combo in this recipe it creates a different twist on a traditional taco. Have a great week :)

    @Jean This recipe really is yummy, I hope you try it and like it! Tell me what you think of it if you do make it :)

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  5. Hello my friend. Come on over to The Big Green Bowl to receive an award!

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  6. wow this looks great.. its making me hungry! thanks for the follow.. im following you as well!

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  7. @Michael Ann Thanks for the award :)

    @The Blonde Duck Me too!!

    @ResearchingMom Thanks :) They were yummy!

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  8. I love cooking with my slow cooker. These look really good.

    I'm visiting from the Friday Blog Hop and followed you.

    Please visit my blog at http://dreesthings.blogspot.com/ when you have time.

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  9. @Dree I love using my slow cooker also, it's a great time saver! Followed you back, have a great week :)

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  10. Looks delicious! I can't wait to make them. Love your blog.

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  11. @Isheldon5 Thanks :) I hope you like the recipe if you try it!

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