Slow Cooker Carnitas

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. 

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