Slow Cooker Carnitas come together effortlessly in the crockpot with an inexpensive cut of pork and a flavorful braising liquid.
While Crockpot Carnitas makes the perfect base for tacos, the options on how to use this spiced shredded pork are endless. It is an easy set-it-and-forget-it crockpot recipe that makes a great family meal.

A Crockpot Favorite
Traditional Carnitas are made by braising or simmering pork shoulder in oil or lard. While these Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are not authentic, in the fact they are not simmered in lard, they are every bit as delicious.
Cooked in a flavorful combination of spices, beer, and orange juice, and then crisped up in the oven, these Crockpot Carnitas are a family favorite recipe and make the most delicious pork tacos.
The pork roast becomes tender, juicy, and shreds up perfectly. Add in the fact that these Carnitas are made in the slow cooker with minimal work--well, this family meal just got even better! But if you need this recipe for Carnitas to be sped up, try out my Instant Pot Carnitas.
Notes on Ingredients

- Pork Roast: You can use a pork shoulder, pork butt, or pork loin. For the best flavor and results, I recommend using a Pork Butt. Pork Loin is a great substitute if you need the recipe to be lower in fat.
- Beer: Use a mild lager-style beef like Corona or Coors Light. If you do care to use alcohol or need this recipe to be gluten-free, use chicken stock in place of the beer.
- Orange Juice: The orange juice can not be substituted. It adds flavor, depth, and acidity that helps to flavor and tenderizes the pork. Be sure to use pulp-free orange juice.
How to Make Crockpot Carnitas
- Cut the pork roast into 3 to 4-inch chunks and season all sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large crockpot, mix together the beer, orange juice, and seasonings.
- Place the seasoned pork into the mixture inside the crockpot.

- Set the crockpot to low for 10-12 hours or on high 5-7 hours.

- Once the meat has cooked, shred the pork with two forks and mix into the juices that were rendered while cooking.

Crispy Carnitas
Traditionally carnitas meat has a crispy texture. To achieve this same texture, place the shredded pork onto a sheet pan with ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Broil for 3-5 minutes and then remove the sheet pan, flip the pork and broil for 2-3 more additional minutes until slightly charred.
How to Serve
This easy Pork Carnita Meat is great for a variety of dishes.
- Strain off the cooking juices and serve in flour tortillas, corn tortillas, or taco shells topped with cabbage, queso fresco, and cilantro.
- Use as the meat in Burrito bowls or in a Taco Salad.
- Topping a baked sweet potato or baked potato.
- Use as the shredded meat in Easy Enchiladas.
Tips and Modifications
- If you need Gluten-Free Carnitas, just omit beer and use chicken stock and serve on corn tortillas. You can even use these homemade corn tortillas from Foolproof Living.
- If you need a lower fat recipe, use pork loin in place of pork butt for a lean, yet flavorful carnitas meat, but you can use pork shoulder if you'd prefer.
- This recipe works well with an equal amount of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in place of the pork roast. Simply ut the cooking time down to just 5-6 hours on low and 2-3 hours on high.
- Store leftover shredded pork in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before heating.
Side Dishes for Carnitas
- Instant Pot Refried Beans
- Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- Instant Pot Spanish Rice
- Mexican Quinoa Salad
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
If you tried these Slow Cooker Carnitas, I would love for you to leave a comment and rating below.

Slow Cooker Carnitas
Ingredients
Pork Tacos
- 2 ½ lb pork butt roast cut into 3-4 inch chunks
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt divided
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper optional
- 12 ounces beer (or chicken stock)
- ½ cup orange juice
Instructions
- Cut the pork roast into 3-4 inch chunks and season with the pepper and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Combine the beer (or stock), orange juice, remaining salt, garlic, cumin, chili, and cayenne together in the slow cooker, and then nestle the pork into the liquid.
- Set the crockpot to cook on low for 10-12 hours or on high 5-7 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the meat with two forks, and mix into the juices that were rendered while cooking.
- For crispy pork, place shredded pork along with ½ cup of the cooking liquid onto a rimmed sheet pan and broil until lightly charred.
- Serve the meat as desired.
Equipment Needed
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally shared in 2016 but has been updated in 2021 with new tips and photos.
Denise Wright
I don't know what I like better the pork carnitas or the slaw! Looks delicious!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Denise, together they are perfect!
Liz
I adore carnitas!! And with slaw??? This is a home run dinner!!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Liz. My family sure thinks so too 🙂
Hezzi-D
I love the fresh slaw on top of this! Sounds amazing!
cheri
Love slow cooker meals that many meal can be made from. Also the slaw sounds perfect, lots of flavor here.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Cheri! I love slow cooker meals as well.
David @ Cooking Chat
pork in the slow cooker for tacos sounds perfect to me!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks David.
Caroline
Looks great. I do like meals where you can use the meat in a few different ways to keep the leftovers interesting (and all the more reason to make enough for leftovers!)
Kristen Chidsey
You need to check out my guest post on how to use one pork loin and turn it into 7 meals--that is a great way to use up these leftovers as well. http://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2014/09/stretching-one-pork-loin-seven-meals/
Michelle
These look amazing, you can't beat a good crock pot recipe and I LOVE tacos
Kristen Chidsey
Love the crock-pot, especially in the hot summer.
Denise Wright
Oh this sounds good! I'm psyched because I have a pork loin in the freezer and I can make it this week!
Kristen Chidsey
Oh yes, you have to make this--you will love it!
Erica
Holy yummers! I pinned this for next week's dinner menu...tacos and crock pots are two of my favorite things!
Kristen Chidsey
Awesome. I know you will just love it!
Joanie
Pork in the crock pot is the best, it's so tender and delicious - and I love the recipe you shared at the end too. How perfect for the leftovers.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Joanie. And I agree, pork is always the moistest and most flavorful from the crock-pot.