Carnitas Crockpot Tacos have a way of transforming an ordinary weeknight into a fiesta! I remember the first time I tried making them myself, I was aiming for that authentic, fall-apart tender pork with crispy edges, and my slow cooker delivered beyond my wildest dreams. The aroma of citrus and spices filled my kitchen, promising a delicious meal. This homemade carnitas crock pot recipe is so simple, you’ll be amazed at the deep, savory flavor. It’s the best way to achieve truly melt-in-your-mouth carnitas without all the fuss. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Carnitas Crockpot Tacos

These carnitas are a game-changer for busy nights:

• Incredible Flavor: Achieve that authentic, slow-cooked taste with crispy edges.
• Minimal Effort: This easy crockpot carnitas recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep.
• Family Favorite: Everyone, from kids to adults, loves these tender, juicy tacos.
• Budget-Friendly: Pork shoulder is an economical cut that yields amazing results.
• Versatile: Perfect for Taco Tuesday crock pot carnitas or any casual get-together.
• Healthy-ish: Packed with protein and you control the toppings.
• Convenient: It’s the ultimate easy crockpot carnitas recipe for make-ahead meals.
• Deliciously Tender: The slow cooker ensures the pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender every time.

Ingredients for Carnitas Crockpot Tacos

Gather these simple ingredients for the most amazing pork shoulder crock pot carnitas tacos. The magic happens with just a few key items:

• 4 lbs (1.8kg) pork shoulder / pork butt, skinless, boneless – This cut is crucial for tender, juicy carnitas.
• 2 ½ teaspoons salt – To enhance all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – For a touch of warmth.
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano – Adds that signature earthy, slightly floral note.
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin – Brings a warm, smoky depth.
• 1 onion, chopped – Provides a foundational sweetness and aroma.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that savory punch.
• 1 jalapeño, deseeded and chopped – For a subtle hint of heat.
• Juice of 2 oranges (about ¾ cup) – The citrus juice tenderizes the meat and adds a lovely brightness.
• Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup) – Complements the orange juice and adds a tangy finish.
• Corn or flour tortillas, for serving
• Chopped onion and cilantro, for serving
• Sliced avocado, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Queso fresco or cotija cheese, for serving
• Salsa or hot sauce, for serving

How to Make Carnitas in a Crock Pot

Making these carnitas crockpot tacos is surprisingly straightforward, and the slow cooker does most of the work. This is truly the best way to make carnitas in slow cooker for tender, flavorful pork every single time. My kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma as it cooks!

1. Step 1: Before you begin, preheat your oven’s broiler. This is for crisping the carnitas later, which is a step I never skip!
2. Step 2: Trim any large pieces of excess fat from your 4 lbs (1.8kg) pork shoulder / pork butt. Cut the pork into large chunks, about 4–5 inches wide. This size helps it cook evenly.
3. Step 3: Season the pork chunks generously on all sides with 2 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons ground cumin. Make sure every piece is coated.
4. Step 4: Toss the 1 onion, chopped, 5 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 jalapeño, deseeded and chopped into the bottom of your slow cooker. This aromatic base is key.
5. Step 5: Place the seasoned pork chunks on top of the aromatics in the slow cooker. Pour the Juice of 2 oranges (about ¾ cup) and the Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup) over the pork. The citrus helps tenderize the meat beautifully.
6. Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours, or on HIGH for 5–6 hours. You’re looking for the pork to be so tender that it shreds easily with just two forks. The house will smell incredible!
7. Step 7: Once the pork is tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a large baking sheet. Use two forks to shred the pork, discarding any large, unappetized pieces of fat.
8. Step 8: Now for the magic: crisping the carnitas! Drizzle a few spoonfuls of the cooking juices from the slow cooker over the shredded pork. Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler for 5–7 minutes, until the edges start to get wonderfully crispy and browned. Flip the carnitas and broil for another 5 minutes. This is the best way to make carnitas in slow cooker for that authentic texture.
9. Step 9: Serve your perfectly cooked and crisped carnitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for the ultimate carnitas crockpot tacos experience.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos

You’re on your way to carnitas perfection! Here are a few insider tricks I’ve picked up to make these carnitas crockpot tacos absolutely unforgettable:

• Don’t be afraid of the fat! Pork shoulder has beautiful marbling that makes the carnitas tender and flavorful. Trim only the large, thick chunks of solid fat.
• The citrus is key for tenderizing and adding a subtle tang. I always juice my own oranges and limes; the fresh flavor makes a huge difference.
• Crisping is non-negotiable for that authentic texture. Whether you broil or pan-fry, taking that extra step elevates your slow cooker carnitas taco filling from good to amazing.
• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Sometimes the saltiness of the pork or the cooking liquid needs a little boost.

What’s the secret to perfect slow cooker carnitas tacos?

It’s a combination of using the right cut of pork (shoulder!) and that final crisping step. Achieving authentic crock pot carnitas means getting those delightfully crispy edges after slow cooking.

Can I make crock pot carnitas tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the pork and cook it completely a day or two in advance. Just shred it, store it in its cooking liquid in the fridge, and crisp it up right before serving for your Taco Tuesday crock pot carnitas.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crock Pot Pork Carnitas for Tacos?

A common pitfall is using too lean a cut of pork, which results in dry carnitas. Also, don’t skip the crisping step; it’s vital for texture. Overcrowding the slow cooker can also hinder even cooking, so ensure your pork shoulder crock pot carnitas tacos have space.

Best Ways to Serve Carnitas Crockpot Tacos

Once your tender, juicy carnitas are ready, the fun really begins with how you serve them! These carnitas crockpot tacos are incredibly versatile. My favorite way is in warm corn tortillas with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and diced white onion, a squeeze of lime, and some creamy avocado. For a heartier meal, think of them as the star of slow cooker Mexican pulled pork tacos served over rice with black beans and a dollop of sour cream. You can also mix them into salads or bowls for a lighter option, always ensuring that delicious, slow-cooked flavor shines through.

Nutrition Facts for Carnitas Crockpot Tacos

When you’re enjoying these delicious carnitas crockpot tacos, here’s a look at what you can expect per serving (which we’ve defined as about 2 tacos with the filling):

• Calories: 380
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Carnitas Tacos

The beauty of these carnitas crockpot tacos is that they’re fantastic for meal prep. Once the shredded pork has cooled slightly, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, transfer the cooled carnitas, along with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist, into a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay good in the freezer for about 3 months, making it a lifesaver for future Taco Tuesday crock pot carnitas nights.

To reheat, you can gently warm the carnitas in a skillet over medium heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water or cooking liquid if needed. For that signature crispy texture, spread the carnitas on a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes, just like in the original recipe. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy. Either way, you’ll have delicious carnitas ready in minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Carnitas Slow Cooker Recipe

What’s the best pork cut for carnitas in a slow cooker?

For the most tender and flavorful results, I always reach for pork shoulder, also known as pork butt. It has the perfect amount of fat marbling to keep the meat incredibly moist and tender throughout the slow cooking process. This cut is essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture in your pork carnitas slow cooker recipe.

Why use a slow cooker for carnitas?

Using a slow cooker is fantastic for carnitas because it allows the pork to cook low and slow for hours, breaking down the connective tissues and rendering the fat. This results in incredibly tender, fork-shredded meat with minimal effort. It’s the easiest way to get that authentic, deep flavor without standing over a hot stove!

Can I get crispy carnitas from a slow cooker?

Absolutely! While the slow cooker makes the pork incredibly tender, the magic happens with a final crisping step. I like to spread the shredded pork onto a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes until the edges are wonderfully browned and crispy. This step is crucial for that authentic texture in your carnitas crockpot tacos.

How long do crock pot carnitas last in the fridge?

Once cooled, your delicious carnitas crockpot tacos filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. I like to store it with a little bit of the cooking liquid to keep the meat extra moist and ready for a quick reheat.

Variations of Simple Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic carnitas crockpot tacos, you’ll find there are so many fun ways to switch things up! These variations are perfect for keeping your taco nights exciting. For instance, you can create a spicier version by adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the slow cooker along with the other aromatics. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using chicken thighs instead of pork for a similar shreddable texture; these shredded pork crock pot tacos can easily be adapted. Another tasty twist is to add a bit of pineapple chunks to the slow cooker for a subtle sweet and savory flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the savory pork. These simple swaps ensure you never get bored with your simple slow cooker carnitas tacos!

Print