Best Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas

This easy slow cooker carnitas recipe is perfect for a busy day. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious meal that your family will love. The pork is tender and flavorful, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls. Plus, it’s easy to set up in the morning and have a warm dinner ready when you get home. You may also find Easy Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole useful.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to try this delicious recipe: You may also find Easy Slow Cooker Easter Recipes useful.

• It’s simple and requires minimal effort.
• The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy days.
• You can customize the serving options to fit any meal.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas

This recipe is all about seasoning the pork and letting the slow cooker do the magic. You will mix spices, rub them onto the pork, add some juice, and let it cook until it’s tender.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 orange, juiced

Directions

1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
4. Pour the lime and orange juice over the pork.
5. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
6. Once cooked, shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the juices in the slow cooker.
7. Optional: For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork onto a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes.
8. Serve in tacos, burritos, or bowls.

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas

You can serve carnitas in many delicious ways. Try them in soft tacos with fresh cilantro and onions, or load them up in a burrito with rice and beans. You can also serve them in a bowl with your favorite toppings like avocado and salsa.

How to Store Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas

• For extra flavor, marinate the pork in the spice mixture overnight.
• Use different citrus juices for a unique taste.
• Combine leftovers with scrambled eggs for a breakfast treat.

Variations

If you want to switch things up, try adding chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor. You can also prepare these carnitas with different cuts of pork like pork loin for a leaner option. Another great idea is to use a mix of spices for a more complex taste.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
No, this recipe is best suited for a slow cooker to achieve tender, shredded meat.

How can I make sure the pork is tender?
Cook it low and slow for the best results.

Can I use a different meat?
Yes, you can try chicken or beef, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

Conclusion

This easy slow cooker carnitas recipe is a winner for any meal. The flavors are rich, and the cooking process is hands-off. For additional inspiration, explore Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork) – RecipeTin Eats or check out Easy Crockpot Carnitas – Pinch of Yum for more delicious options.

Slow Cooker Carnitas

This easy slow cooker carnitas recipe creates tender and flavorful pork, perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2-3 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 limes Juice of 2 limes
• 1 orange juiced

Method

 

Preparation

1. Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork.
4. Pour the lime and orange juice over the pork.

Cooking

1. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
2. Once cooked, shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the juices in the slow cooker.
3. Optional: For crispy edges, spread the shredded pork onto a baking sheet and broil in the oven for a few minutes.

Notes

Store leftover carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or on the stove. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.