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    Home » Real Food » Slow Cooker Carnitas

    Slow Cooker Carnitas

    By Kristen Chidsey | 77 Comments | Published April 27, 2021 | Updated April 27, 2021 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Slow Cooker Carnitas come together effortlessly in the crockpot with only a handful of ingredients, an inexpensive cut of pork, and a flavorful braising liquid.

    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.

    2 tortillas topped with shredded crockpot slow cooker carnitas.

    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.
    Ingredients for Crockpot Carnitas in the slow cooker.
    • Set the crockpot to low for 10-12 hours or on high 5-7 hours.
    Cooked pork butt in Mexican Liquid in slow cooker.
    • Once the meat has cooked, shred the pork with two forks and mix into the juices that were rendered while cooking.
    Shredded pork roast in seasoned broth in crockpot.

    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. 

    2 Pork tacos on white plate made with Slow Cooker Carnitas.

    Slow Cooker Carnitas

    Slow Cooker Carnitas come together effortlessly in the crockpot with only a handful of ingredients, an inexpensive cut of pork, and a flavorful braising liquid.
    4.89 from 17 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 hours
    Total Time: 10 hours 10 minutes
    Servings: 10 people
    Calories: 173kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    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
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    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

    • 6-8 quart Slow Cooker

    Notes

    For Gluten-Free Carnitas, just omit beer and use chicken stock
    Pork: Use pork loin, cut into 3-4 inch chunks for lean, yet flavorful carnitas meat.
    Serving: Carnitas are delicious served on tortillas or with rice, topped with avocado, cheese, and cabbage.
    Mexican Slaw: I love making a simple slaw by mixing together  ¼ cup of sour cream and Greek yogurt together with the juice of 1 lime, a handful of chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir 3 cups of cabbage into the mixture. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving with the shredded pork. 
    Storage: 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 425mg | Potassium: 430mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 51IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This recipe was originally shared in 2016 but has been updated in 2021 with new tips and photos.

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Denise Wright

      May 01, 2017 at 6:15 am

      I don't know what I like better the pork carnitas or the slaw! Looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 01, 2017 at 12:41 pm

        Thanks Denise, together they are perfect!

        Reply
    2. Liz

      April 30, 2017 at 6:34 pm

      I adore carnitas!! And with slaw??? This is a home run dinner!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 01, 2017 at 12:43 pm

        Thanks Liz. My family sure thinks so too 🙂

        Reply
    3. Hezzi-D

      April 30, 2017 at 5:00 pm

      I love the fresh slaw on top of this! Sounds amazing!

      Reply
    4. cheri

      April 30, 2017 at 1:32 pm

      5 stars
      Love slow cooker meals that many meal can be made from. Also the slaw sounds perfect, lots of flavor here.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 01, 2017 at 12:47 pm

        Thanks Cheri! I love slow cooker meals as well.

        Reply
    5. David @ Cooking Chat

      April 30, 2017 at 8:03 am

      5 stars
      pork in the slow cooker for tacos sounds perfect to me!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 01, 2017 at 12:47 pm

        Thanks David.

        Reply
    6. Caroline

      June 14, 2015 at 11:50 am

      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!)

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 14, 2015 at 8:33 pm

        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/

        Reply
    7. Michelle

      June 13, 2015 at 5:10 pm

      These look amazing, you can't beat a good crock pot recipe and I LOVE tacos

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 14, 2015 at 8:39 pm

        Love the crock-pot, especially in the hot summer.

        Reply
    8. Denise Wright

      June 13, 2015 at 10:09 am

      Oh this sounds good! I'm psyched because I have a pork loin in the freezer and I can make it this week!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 14, 2015 at 8:39 pm

        Oh yes, you have to make this--you will love it!

        Reply
    9. Erica

      June 02, 2015 at 3:36 pm

      Holy yummers! I pinned this for next week's dinner menu...tacos and crock pots are two of my favorite things!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 02, 2015 at 8:32 pm

        Awesome. I know you will just love it!

        Reply
    10. Joanie

      April 28, 2015 at 4:17 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 28, 2015 at 5:19 pm

        Thanks Joanie. And I agree, pork is always the moistest and most flavorful from the crock-pot.

        Reply
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