Name: Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas: 10 Hours to Flavorful Perfection
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4-5 lb boneless pork butt or pork shoulder; 12 oz beer (Mexican lager works perfectly); ½ cup salsa (chunky); 2 tbs garlic (finely chopped); 2 tbs sweet onion (finely chopped, keep remaining onion to garnish if desired); 2 tbs chipotle sauce (from can, optional); 1 chipotle pepper (from can, optional); 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons table salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ¾ teaspoon cayenne powder; ½ cup orange juice; ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed); 2 tbs cilantro (finely chopped, optional garnish)

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Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas has become a staple in my kitchen for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. This slow-cooked dish is a true delight, featuring tender, shredded pork that can be used in various meals. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a delicious Mexican feast that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

This pork carnitas recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:

Fall-apart tender pork that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos.
Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Great for meal prep and can be frozen for later use.
Flavorful with a blend of spices that create a Mexican delight.
Cooked in a slow cooker, ensuring a hands-off approach.
Budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make slow cooker carnitas that everyone will love!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Gather these items:

4-5 lb boneless pork butt or pork shoulder
12 oz beer (Mexican lager works perfectly)
½ cup salsa (chunky)
2 tbs garlic (finely chopped)
2 tbs sweet onion (finely chopped, keep remaining onion to garnish if desired)
2 tbs chipotle sauce (from can, optional)
1 chipotle pepper (from can, optional)
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons table salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
¾ teaspoon cayenne powder
½ cup orange juice
¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tbs cilantro (finely chopped, optional garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together seasonings.
Step 2: Sprinkle seasonings on all surfaces of the pork shoulder.
Step 3: Rub the seasonings into the pork shoulder.
Step 4: Place the pork shoulder into your crockpot.
Step 5: In a medium bowl, add orange juice, lime juice, onion, garlic, and salsa.
Step 6: Mix together the orange juice, lime juice, onion, garlic, and salsa.
Step 7: Add the beer to the medium bowl with your wet mixture.
Step 8: Pour the wet mixture into the crock pot. Some of the pork shoulder will stick out; This is expected.
Step 9: Cook the seasoned pork shoulder in the crockpot with the wet mixture for 10 hours, or until the pork easily shreds. If the pork is tough, it means it has not cooked long enough.
Step 10: Remove the cooked pork shoulder from the crockpot and shred. You can return it to the crockpot until you are ready to crisp.
Step 11: On a tinfoil-lined baking sheet, place an even layer of carnitas meat. I like to take a few tablespoons of the “juice” from the crockpot and spoon it over the meat.
Step 12: Place the baking sheet in the oven and broil the meat until the ends are crisp.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

Keep these in mind:

Serve with tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
You can freeze the carnitas for later use.
For added flavor, let the pork marinate in the spices overnight.
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

There are countless ways to enjoy your shredded pork carnitas. Here are some ideas:

Stuff them into warm tortillas for delicious pork carnitas tacos.
Top on nachos with cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole.
Serve over rice or in burrito bowls with your favorite toppings.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

To store your slow cooker pulled pork carnitas, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the carnitas for later use, making it a great option for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas?

The secret lies in the slow cooking method, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the pork tender. Using the right spices, like cumin and chili powder, enhances the authentic Mexican flavor.

Can I make Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pork carnitas a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. They taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas?

Ensure the pork is cooked long enough for it to shred easily. If it’s tough, it needs more time in the slow cooker. Always use a good quality cut of meat for the best results.

Variations of Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas You Can Try

If you’re feeling creative, here are some variations to consider:

Add pineapple juice for a sweet twist.
Include additional spices like smoked paprika for a richer flavor.
Try using chicken for a lighter, healthier option.
Experiment with different types of citrus juice, like grapefruit or lemon.

For more delicious recipes, check out Slow Cooker Korean Beef or Ginger Lime Pork.

Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas: 10 Hours to Flavorful Perfection - Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas - additional detail

For more tips on meal prep, visit Last Recipes or explore Creamy Potato Soup for comforting options.